Liposomes are one of the recent innovations in the medical industry which are applied in a number of other fields for various purposes. It is manufactured by making use of phospholipids derived from natural sources and cholesterol. They have a simple structure comprising of bilayers that entrap sections of aqueous mediums. The aqueous medium contains hydropihilic elements in the solution. Biophosphates such as clodronate are developed specifically for human application.
These artificial vesicles entrap DNA molecules by two mechanisms. Cationic liposomes are positively charged and react with negatively charged DNA molecules forming a stable complex. They contain a lipid and a co-lipid both of which are positively changed. The main function of the co-lipid is to stabilize the liposome formed. There are a number of lipid formulations that are designed to aid in the process of gene transfer. A common example is lipofectin which is available commercially.
The category of pH sensitive works in a different manner due to similar negative charge that causes repulsion between the molecules and vesicles hence no complex is formed. Another important aspect of these vesicles is their sensitivity to the degree of pH in the medium in which they are placed. When low degrees of pH are involved there is a high likelihood of interfering with their stability. When serum proteins are eliminated from the vicinity they perform better than the cationic type. .
Gene transfer is one of the areas where they are widely used and they offer various advantages. They initiate reactions with molecules of either charge. There are several degradative processes that may affect the molecules and these vesicles are useful in preventing them. By using this technique doctors are able to direct molecules to a specific organ or tissue. In addition to this, they minimize problems resulting from viral vectors.
In addition to their application in gene and drug delivery, they are widely used in the delivery of other substances. These include the delivery of cosmetics to the skin, dyes to textiles, pesticides to plants, and particular enzymes and supplements to foods. They are widely used in nano cosmetology because of certain properties they possess. They have few side effects, high biocompatibility, enhance the rate of diffusion of the agents involved and increase the stability of ingredients.
Today, a number of techniques are available for use in the production process. These techniques are very large in number and therefore careful consideration is required in the selection process. Some of the factors to consider include concentration, potential toxicity and physiochemical characteristics of both the liposomal ingredients and the aqueous medium. In some cases there are additional processes that may be required and this must be careful consideration.
In most cases modifications are made on the vesicles to allow them to be used for various applications. Features such as composition, size and the number of the bilayers are known to have an impact on the fluidity, permeability, structure and stability. Environmental factors such as temperature, molecules in the vicinity and ionic strength affect their efficiency.
There are various biotechnological applications that greatly rely on liposomes. Scientists are still involved in research programs to establish other fields where their use is very relevant. These include immunology, medicine, cleansing industry, cosmetic ecology, food industry, and diagnostics among others. Drug delivery for cancer patients is a common application in medicine.
These artificial vesicles entrap DNA molecules by two mechanisms. Cationic liposomes are positively charged and react with negatively charged DNA molecules forming a stable complex. They contain a lipid and a co-lipid both of which are positively changed. The main function of the co-lipid is to stabilize the liposome formed. There are a number of lipid formulations that are designed to aid in the process of gene transfer. A common example is lipofectin which is available commercially.
The category of pH sensitive works in a different manner due to similar negative charge that causes repulsion between the molecules and vesicles hence no complex is formed. Another important aspect of these vesicles is their sensitivity to the degree of pH in the medium in which they are placed. When low degrees of pH are involved there is a high likelihood of interfering with their stability. When serum proteins are eliminated from the vicinity they perform better than the cationic type. .
Gene transfer is one of the areas where they are widely used and they offer various advantages. They initiate reactions with molecules of either charge. There are several degradative processes that may affect the molecules and these vesicles are useful in preventing them. By using this technique doctors are able to direct molecules to a specific organ or tissue. In addition to this, they minimize problems resulting from viral vectors.
In addition to their application in gene and drug delivery, they are widely used in the delivery of other substances. These include the delivery of cosmetics to the skin, dyes to textiles, pesticides to plants, and particular enzymes and supplements to foods. They are widely used in nano cosmetology because of certain properties they possess. They have few side effects, high biocompatibility, enhance the rate of diffusion of the agents involved and increase the stability of ingredients.
Today, a number of techniques are available for use in the production process. These techniques are very large in number and therefore careful consideration is required in the selection process. Some of the factors to consider include concentration, potential toxicity and physiochemical characteristics of both the liposomal ingredients and the aqueous medium. In some cases there are additional processes that may be required and this must be careful consideration.
In most cases modifications are made on the vesicles to allow them to be used for various applications. Features such as composition, size and the number of the bilayers are known to have an impact on the fluidity, permeability, structure and stability. Environmental factors such as temperature, molecules in the vicinity and ionic strength affect their efficiency.
There are various biotechnological applications that greatly rely on liposomes. Scientists are still involved in research programs to establish other fields where their use is very relevant. These include immunology, medicine, cleansing industry, cosmetic ecology, food industry, and diagnostics among others. Drug delivery for cancer patients is a common application in medicine.
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