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.
Unlike most other delivery systems, these formulations do not rely on modes of absorption typical to oral or direct IV administration. Conventional delivery can make it harder to manage the effects of specialized drugs, and one common result is the accumulation of toxic materials in other organs, often causing additional and undesired damage. When the medication is placed inside each bubble-like liposome, release can be more easily controlled.
Molecules of medication are suspended in water inside these cellular structures, and encased in membranes created both naturally or artificially. They can be designed in ways that make them ideal mechanisms for enveloping hydrophilic drugs, or molecular groups that are attracted to and become easily transported in water. When manufactured using current processes, they form two groups called multilammelar and unilammelar, both of which include subcategories.
Molecules of a particular drug are encased within a membrane, and can be transferred to the targeted cells upon activation. They can be effectively released into an organism by fusing specific layers with other living cells, which delivers the tiny doses they contain. Other methods of release use reactive chemicals that also encourage diffusion at the molecular level. The overall result is a more controllable, steady release.
Not only can this process be more easily managed by physicians, but it leaves no residual toxins behind, and is compatible biologically with human cells. Comparatively recent developments in ultrasound technology use sound waves to activate these chemical invaders, increasing their strength in regions where it is most needed. Others are being administered via the respiratory system, where they are deposited in the lungs and slowly released.
It is still comparatively costly to manufacture these microscopic capsules. As practicality increases and research finds new uses and procedures, expenses will probably decrease, but still remain high. As is the case in most newer technologies, there are still many unresolved issues. Some forms of these artificial cells have had problems with wall or membrane leakage, while others have been degraded by oxidation and other natural processes.
Like many medical innovations, liposomes are increasingly being used commercially. They are being called a better way to deliver vitamin, herbal and mineral supplements, and there are popular recipes for the personal creation of dietary supplements. While these uses produce their own controversies, the continued development of better medication delivery systems gives additional hope for advanced treatments.
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.
Unlike most other delivery systems, these formulations do not rely on modes of absorption typical to oral or direct IV administration. Conventional delivery can make it harder to manage the effects of specialized drugs, and one common result is the accumulation of toxic materials in other organs, often causing additional and undesired damage. When the medication is placed inside each bubble-like liposome, release can be more easily controlled.
Molecules of medication are suspended in water inside these cellular structures, and encased in membranes created both naturally or artificially. They can be designed in ways that make them ideal mechanisms for enveloping hydrophilic drugs, or molecular groups that are attracted to and become easily transported in water. When manufactured using current processes, they form two groups called multilammelar and unilammelar, both of which include subcategories.
Molecules of a particular drug are encased within a membrane, and can be transferred to the targeted cells upon activation. They can be effectively released into an organism by fusing specific layers with other living cells, which delivers the tiny doses they contain. Other methods of release use reactive chemicals that also encourage diffusion at the molecular level. The overall result is a more controllable, steady release.
Not only can this process be more easily managed by physicians, but it leaves no residual toxins behind, and is compatible biologically with human cells. Comparatively recent developments in ultrasound technology use sound waves to activate these chemical invaders, increasing their strength in regions where it is most needed. Others are being administered via the respiratory system, where they are deposited in the lungs and slowly released.
It is still comparatively costly to manufacture these microscopic capsules. As practicality increases and research finds new uses and procedures, expenses will probably decrease, but still remain high. As is the case in most newer technologies, there are still many unresolved issues. Some forms of these artificial cells have had problems with wall or membrane leakage, while others have been degraded by oxidation and other natural processes.
Like many medical innovations, liposomes are increasingly being used commercially. They are being called a better way to deliver vitamin, herbal and mineral supplements, and there are popular recipes for the personal creation of dietary supplements. While these uses produce their own controversies, the continued development of better medication delivery systems gives additional hope for advanced treatments.
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