V3I11P9

Liposomes: A Comprehensive Review of Liposome Formulation Strategies, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Applications

Ziarul Hoque¹, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Naik^2*

Abstract

Liposomes are drug carriers system whereby the carrier is composed of one or more than one phospholipid layer(s) that surround the aqueous core. Being amphiphilic, it provides the opportunity of incorporating aqueous substances in the core and liposoluble drugs in the phospholipid layer(s). This has enabled the liposomes to play a very important part in drug formulation due to its ability to alter drug release and flexibility. This report analyses the structure of the liposomes, formation process, classification, liposome formation methods, formulation factors, advantages and disadvantages, modes of administration and applications of the liposomes. Emphasis will especially be put in long circulating liposomes, targeted liposomes, stimuli-sensitive liposomes and use of liposomes in delivering anti-cancer and antimicrobial drugs systems. Examples of commercialized liposomes will provide practical application of the technique. Despite of the numerous advantages of using liposomes drug delivery systems, there are challenges like instability of the liposomes, drug leakage, production and sterilization. Therefore, the liposomes formulations will require proper selection of lipids, vesicles, surfactants, loading and storage characteristics to overcome the challenges.

Keywords:

Liposomes; phospholipids; drug delivery; targeted delivery; nanocarriers; liposomal formulations; antimicrobial therapy; cancer therapy