liposoomideks

Liposoomideks is the Estonian term for liposomes, which are nanoscale spherical vesicles formed by one or more phospholipid bilayers that enclose an aqueous core. They can carry hydrophilic drugs in the interior and hydrophobic compounds within the lipid membranes, making them versatile carriers for medicine and cosmetics. Typical liposome sizes range from tens to hundreds of nanometers, and they can be unilamellar or multilamellar, with lamellarity influencing stability and release.

Liposoomideks are often composed of phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine, sometimes combined with cholesterol to modulate rigidity and permeability. Surface modifications, notably polyethylene glycol (PEG), can extend circulation time by reducing recognition by the immune system; targeting ligands like antibodies or peptides can direct liposomes to specific cells or tissues.

Preparation methods include thin-film hydration with subsequent size reduction by extrusion or sonication, ethanol injection, and microfluidic approaches. Size control and uniformity are important for reproducibility and in vivo behavior.

Applications focus on drug delivery, where liposoomideks improve solubility, alter pharmacokinetics, reduce toxicity, and enable controlled release. They are used in oncology (liposomal chemotherapeutics), fungal infections, ocular therapies, and as vaccine adjuvants. They also play a role in gene delivery with cationic or ionizable lipids.

Advantages include biocompatibility, cargo protection, and the ability to tailor release and targeting. Limitations involve stability and leakage, potential immunogenicity, storage and sterilization challenges, and manufacturing costs. Regulatory-approved liposomal medicines illustrate the clinical potential and continuing research into more sophisticated and targeted liposoomideks.