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 concept they use is radically different because it does not depend of standard modes of absorption typical of IV or oral administration. Conventional chemical processes can make management of specialized drugs more difficult. They are indiscriminate in their toxicity, and affect healthy organs as well, resulting in unnecessary damage and more lengthy recovery. When delivered via liposomes, release of toxic medication can be better 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.
The liposomes are made to surround the medications with membranes, and when activated release those molecules into other cells. This can be done by fusing the layers, causing them to interact with adjacent human cells, and releasing medication in the process. Other activation strategies include using specific chemical reactions to encourage molecular diffusion. The end result is a controlled, steady delivery.
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.
It is still costly to manufacture these microscopic capsules for medical use. As continuing research produces a growing number of uses for this kind of nanotechnology, the overall expense will decline, but will not become cheap. Because this is relatively new technology in many ways, there are issues that still must be resolved. Some types of structures have experienced cellular leaking, and others have been affected by 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.
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 concept they use is radically different because it does not depend of standard modes of absorption typical of IV or oral administration. Conventional chemical processes can make management of specialized drugs more difficult. They are indiscriminate in their toxicity, and affect healthy organs as well, resulting in unnecessary damage and more lengthy recovery. When delivered via liposomes, release of toxic medication can be better 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.
The liposomes are made to surround the medications with membranes, and when activated release those molecules into other cells. This can be done by fusing the layers, causing them to interact with adjacent human cells, and releasing medication in the process. Other activation strategies include using specific chemical reactions to encourage molecular diffusion. The end result is a controlled, steady delivery.
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.
It is still costly to manufacture these microscopic capsules for medical use. As continuing research produces a growing number of uses for this kind of nanotechnology, the overall expense will decline, but will not become cheap. Because this is relatively new technology in many ways, there are issues that still must be resolved. Some types of structures have experienced cellular leaking, and others have been affected by 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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