Liposomes

What are Liposomes?

Liposomes are small artificial, sphere shaped vesicles, which are created from cholesterol and natural non-toxic phospholipids.

Figure 1. Structure of liposome

Types of Liposomes

1. Conventional liposome: encapsulated with hydrophobic drug, genetic material (e.g., DNA, RNA or siRNA), hydrophilic drug
2. PEGylated liposome: modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG)
3. Ligand targeted liposome: the ligand can be aptamer, antibody, protein, peptide, small molecule and carbohydrate
4. Multifunctional liposome: encapsulated with imaging agent (e.g., Gd-DOTA-DSPE for MRI)

Liposomes as Drug Delivery System

Liposomes are widely used as carriers. In pharmaceutical area, the candidate drugs are encapsulated in liposomes and then internalize into the cells. In food and farming areas, unstable compounds like antioxidants, flavors, antimicrobials and bioactive elements can be encapsulated in liposomes to form delivery system, and shield the functionality.

Figure 2. Medical vector illustration of liposomes drug delivery system

Liposome is a good drug delivery system due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, non-immunogenicity and the ability to trap both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, and simplify site-specific drug delivery to tumor tissues.

Liposomal encapsulation technology (LET) is a cutting-edge delivery system to ensure the maximum absorption. And LET encapsulate numerous materials and form a barrier around the materials, which is resistant to enzymes in the mouth and stomach, digestive juices, intestinal flora, alkaline solutions, bile salts, and free radicals. So, the materials encapsulated in the liposomes can be protected from oxidation and degradation. This protective phospholipid barrier remains undamaged until the materials of the liposome are delivered to the target cell, tissues, organs, and be utilized.

There are three types of liposomes based on the charge:

• Cationic liposomes
• Anionic liposomes
• Neutral liposomes

Browse our liposome products

BOC Sciences' Liposome Service

We provide siRNA-loaded liposomes. We can design and synthesis the siRNA based on the target gene and then loaded it into the liposomes. If you already have a candidate siRNA drug, we can provide liposome encapsulation service and help with preparing RNA-loaded liposomes.

1. siRNA design/synthesis/purification/characteristics
2. Liposome preparation
3. Drug loading (passive loading or active loading)
4. Freeze-protectant for liposomes (lyophilization)