What Are The Uses Of Liposome

By Danielle Galloway


Through the years, the evolution of medical science and the benefits that came with it has been evident. It continues to search for solutions and effective treatments to many different diseases. Among the most notable and remarkable breakthroughs of the industry is its discovery on liposome. This is now used to ensure success in organ transplant surgeries, treat many medical anomalies and enhance the efficiency of drugs being administered.

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.

Furthermore, this helps extend the transfer time of the medicines. The double-layered spheres slowly transmits the drugs in interval for a period of time so the body can take it in gradually. This and the ability to direct its target make this a perfect choice in reducing the medicines' side-effects and enhance its potency.

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.

Autoimmune diseases may also be combated by using the spheroids. In a transplant surgery, the body usually identifies the newly harvested organ to be a foreign entity. The body's natural protection, the immune system, may attack the organ in an attempt to prevent possible infestation. This could lead to transplant rejection. The artificial lipid is used to suppress the function of the immune system and slow down its progress.

However, this drug vessel is not spontaneously produced. There are many different methods to create the vesicles depending on its function and purpose. The methods of dissemination and the conditions in which it will be released must be taken into account. The type of material to be transported determines how the structure is created.

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.

If there is one thing that could hold back medical experts from using liposome, it would be the production expenses. At present, mass production is not feasible since the vessels may not last after it has been produced. There were instances of unintentional mixing of drugs and cases of instability as well. Other than that, nobody can argue of the wonderful benefits this breakthrough promises.




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