Liposomal Formulation Delivers Medication More Effectively

By Mayra Pierce


Nanotechnology is a dynamic branch of science that transforms and manipulates substances on a molecular and even atomic level. Liposomes refer to microscopic cellular bubbles made of materials called phospholipids, which are similar to human cell material and are both attracted to and repelled by water. Liposomal formulation helps create these structures for use in the targeted delivery of medication.

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.

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.

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 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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment