LIPOSOME AS A POTENTIAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: A REVIEW

Abstract

Liposomes are microscopic phospholipid vescicles made of lipid bilayer which are the drug carrier for improving the delivery of therapeutic agents. Research on liposome technology has progressed from conventional vesicles (“first-generation liposomes”) to “second-generation liposomes”, in which long-circulating liposomes are obtained by modulating the lipid composition, size, and charge of the vesicle. Liposomes with modified surfaces have also been developed using several molecules, such as glycolipids or sialic acid. A significant step in the development of long-circulating liposomes came with inclusion of the synthetic polymer poly-(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in liposome composition. Due to advancement in liposomal technology a number of liposomal formulations are available in market for clinical use, with gene delivery and cancer therapy and some formulations are under clinical trial. Reformulation of drugs in liposomes has provided an opportunity to enhance the therapeutic indices of various agents mainly through alteration in their biodistribution. This review discusses the basic principles of liposome structures and preparations, evaluation parameters of liposomal formulation, pharmacokinetics of liposomes and liposome- encapsulated drugs, the potential applications of liposomes in drug delivery with examples of formulations approved for clinical use, and the problems associated with further exploitation of this drug delivery system.