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A Glimpse On Liposome And Its Functions

By Danielle Galloway


Medical science is constantly evolving. Through the years, it continues to look for solutions and treatments for various medical diseases. One of the remarkable discoveries that science stumbled into is the liposome. This is a recent breakthrough that is believed to be potent in treating many medical malfunctions. It is also used to help administer drugs more efficiently and increase the success rate of organ transplant among other functions.

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.

The most common use of this structure is to introduce medicines to the patient's body more effectively. The unique property of the vesicles allow drugs to be delivered in specific parts of the body through diffusion. With its double-layered membranes, the vesicle can carry hydrophobic drugs. This can also be used to carry biological agents like antibodies to targeted parts in the patient's body.

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 structure is considered a natural treatment to cancer, too. The vesicle has the ability to target cancer cells. It can also slip right into the tumor by following the blood flow. Liposomes are small in size, so it does not stray away from the bloodstream. Not to mention its composition that is closely similar to blood vessels, which are trapped inside the endothelial wall. In contrast, cancer cells are leaky in nature. It lets through even the small particles to escape.

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.

These vesicles come in various sizes. The vessels are typically small for the white blood cells to easily engulf the bubbles before the drug it carries can be released. Prior to its production, the size and numbers of vesicles to be created have to be determined. Possibilities of reproduction must also be anticipated.

The only possible disadvantage with liposome is the cost of producing it. Mass production is not currently feasible because the vessels do not last long following its creation. Stability may also be an issue. On occasion, the drugs may be mixed unintentionally. Other than that, this is a promising breakthrough.




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