A Glimpse On Liposome And Its Functions

By Danielle Galloway


Over the years, medical science has been continuously evolving to accommodate any changes in the medical landscape. It does not cease from looking for solutions and treatments of various diseases. The discovery of liposome is among the most remarkable breakthroughs in the industry. This is used to aid drug intake to enhance its efficiency, increase success rate in organ transplant surgery and treat several medical malfunctions.

Liposomes are microscopical vesicles developed in an artificial environment like a laboratory. These are composed of phospholipids that are naturally produced or extracted from another source. Its outer wall has similar composition to that of a cell wall. This allows direct interaction between the cells and the liposomes. These tiny, spheroid-shaped bubbles are typically watery in its core.

The most common use of this structure is to introduce medicines to the patient's body more effectively. The unique property of the vesicles allow drugs to be delivered in specific parts of the body through diffusion. With its double-layered membranes, the vesicle can carry hydrophobic drugs. This can also be used to carry biological agents like antibodies to targeted parts in the patient's body.

Furthermore, this helps extend the transfer time of the medicines. The double-layered spheres slowly transmits the drugs in interval for a period of time so the body can take it in gradually. This and the ability to direct its target make this a perfect choice in reducing the medicines' side-effects and enhance its potency.

This is also believed to be a natural cancer fighting agent. The spheroid-shaped vesicle can be used in targeting the cancer cells by slipping right through the tumor through blood flow. Cancer cells are noted to be leaky in nature, allowing even small particles to escape. Yet, since human blood vessels cannot get pass the endothelial wall and the liposomes have similar structure, it can stay in the bloodstreams.

This can also help fight autoimmune diseases. In most transplant surgeries, the body initially identifies the newly transplanted organ as a foreign object. As a result, the immune system will try to attack it as the body's natural reaction to protect itself from infestation. This can lead to the body's rejection of the harvested organ. The artificial lipid can help suppress the immune system to slow down its progression.

The drug vesicles are not spontaneously produced, though. There are several artificial methods used in producing the spheroids depending on its use and function. The production methods and structure must be determined beforehand. One aspect to consider is the method of dissemination as well as the type of material that it carries.

The vesicles can be produced in varying sizes. Typically, these are developed small enough so the white blood cells can easily engulf it before releasing the drug it carries. Decision has to be made before production to know the size and number of vesicles to be produced. If there is a need, reproduction must also be considered.

If there is one thing that could hold back medical experts from using liposome, it would be the production expenses. At present, mass production is not feasible since the vessels may not last after it has been produced. There were instances of unintentional mixing of drugs and cases of instability as well. Other than that, nobody can argue of the wonderful benefits this breakthrough promises.




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