Liposomal Formulation Makes Medication Delivery Safer And More Effective

By Mayra Pierce


Nanotechnology is a branch of science that manipulates materials on a molecular and atomic level. Liposomes are artificially created microscopic bubbles composed of materials similar to human cell membranes called phospholipids, portions of which are alternately repelled or attracted to water. Liposomal formulation is a process that creates these structures for a more effective use in the delivery of medications.

The significance of these vesicular containers containing soluble molecules first became apparent soon after they appeared during the 1960s. Pharmacists as well as researchers recognized their potential for safely and slowly administering specific pharmaceuticals important to treating cancer and other illnesses. The new method could target undesirable cells more efficiently, and had fewer side issues associated with some medications.

The formulations avoid absorption problems and outcomes that are associated with direct IV or oral administration. Conventional systems of delivery can produce difficulty in accurately managing the consequences of harsh drug therapy, primarily because they concentrate toxicity in healthy organs, often producing a great deal of collateral damage. When the bubble-like liposomes containing medications are used, the release of those drugs is more readily controlled.

The drug molecules encased within each structure are suspended in water and surrounded by an artificially or naturally created membrane. The formulation of designed liposomes turns them into ideal mechanisms for hydrophilic drugs, or those that are attracted to and become suspended in water. When prepared according to current methods, the structures exist in two primary types, unilammelar or multilammelar. There are subcategories that include different sizes.

Individual liposomes surround the drug molecules with a membrane, and then transfer those medications to other cells when activated. Molecules can be released into the body by fusing certain layers with other physical cells, effectively delivering a small amount of medication. Others strategies rely on chemical reactions that encourage diffusion on a molecular level. The net result is a steadier, more controlled release.

This not only creates medicines that are more easily administered and managed, but does so in a bio-compatible way that leaves little toxic residue in non-targeted organs. Relatively recent developments involve the use of ultrasound to trigger release in specific locations where they are necessary. Other delivery methods include using the respiratory system, especially the lungs, where they can be activated slowly, reducing unwanted toxicity.

Manufacturing these tiny capsules for medical purposes is still expensive. As research continues and use becomes more widespread, costs will likely decrease, but will still remain substantial. Because the technology is still relatively new, many issues have yet been completely resolved. Some types of artificial cells have experienced problems with wall leakage, while others are still affected by natural degradation processes such as oxidation.

Like other technologies developed for medicine, liposomes have a growing commercial use. They are being touted as superior methods of delivering vitamin, mineral, and herb formulations, and some individuals today even create their own supplements. While those uses are controversial in some aspects, the creation of new medication delivery and activation systems continues to provide new hope for more effective treatments.




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