Pages

Understanding The Use And Significance Of Liposome

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.

The spheroid bubbles can also extend the delivery time for the drugs while keeping its potency. The bi-layered bubble slowly releases the drugs over a span of time. Thus, side-effects may be reduced. Since the vesicle only releases the medication to the affected tissues, it can also help maximize the effects of the drugs.

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.

The vesicles can help neutralize autoimmune reactions of the body. Rejections occur in many transplant surgeries when the body identifies the transplanted organ as foreign. The immune system's natural reaction would be to attack the entity in order to protect the body from infestation. The use of artificial lipid can suppress the progress of immune system, so the body has enough time to accommodate the newly introduced organ.

The vesicles are not spontaneously produced, though. There are various methods used to create these drug vessels according to its function and purpose. Its method of dissemination must be considered as well as the type of materials that will be transported.

The vesicles are produced in different sizes. Generally, these have to be small enough for the white blood cells to engulf the bubbles with ease before releasing the drugs it carries. A decision must be made before the production process to determine the size and number of vessels needed. Reproduction must also be anticipated.

The only possible disadvantage with liposome is the cost of producing it. Mass production is not currently feasible because the vessels do not last long following its creation. Stability may also be an issue. On occasion, the drugs may be mixed unintentionally. Other than that, this is a promising breakthrough.




About the Author: