Liposomeihin

Liposomeihin, often referred to as liposomes in English, are microscopic spherical vesicles made up of one or more lipid bilayers. These bilayers are formed from amphipathic molecules, typically phospholipids, which have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. In an aqueous environment, these molecules spontaneously arrange themselves into a bilayer structure, with the hydrophobic tails facing inward and the hydrophilic heads facing outward and inward, creating a water-filled core.

The primary utility of liposomes stems from their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances within their aqueous core or lipid bilayer, respectively. This makes them versatile carriers for a wide range of compounds, including pharmaceuticals, nucleic acids, and cosmetic ingredients. The liposomal structure protects the encapsulated material from degradation and can facilitate its targeted delivery to specific sites within the body or other systems.

Liposomes have found significant applications in drug delivery. They can improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs, reduce the toxicity of certain medications by controlling their release, and enable targeted delivery to diseased tissues or cells. In cosmetics, liposomes are used to deliver active ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants to the skin, enhancing their efficacy and stability. Research continues into novel applications of liposomes, including their use in gene therapy, vaccines, and diagnostic imaging. The manufacturing process for liposomes can vary, but common methods involve hydrating lipid films or using sonication or extrusion techniques to form vesicles of a desired size.