A Glimpse On Liposome And Its Functions

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.

This structure is most popular for its function to help in drug administration. With its unique property, the vesicles can deliver the drugs to specific parts of the patient's body using the process of diffusion. This property is essential in transporting biological agents, such as antibodies, to specific tissues. Its bi-layered membranes also allow carriage of hydrophobic drugs.

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.

The vesicles are also believed to be an effective cancer fighting agent. The spheroids can mark the cancer cells. It can also slip right to the tumor by going through the blood flow. This stays in the bloodstreams as well because of its miniature size and its property that is similar to the blood vessels. The drug vessels cannot pass through the endothelial wall as opposed to cancer cells, which are naturally leaky.

The vesicles can help neutralize autoimmune reactions of the body. Rejections occur in many transplant surgeries when the body identifies the transplanted organ as foreign. The immune system's natural reaction would be to attack the entity in order to protect the body from infestation. The use of artificial lipid can suppress the progress of immune system, so the body has enough time to accommodate the newly introduced organ.

The drug vesicles are not spontaneously produced, though. There are several artificial methods used in producing the spheroids depending on its use and function. The production methods and structure must be determined beforehand. One aspect to consider is the method of dissemination as well as the type of material that it carries.

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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