Liposomes
Liposomes are spherical vesicles consisting of one or more phospholipid bilayers surrounding an aqueous cavity and they are highly reminiscent of natural cells. Hydrophobic drugs/natural compounds can be encapsulated within the lipid bilayer of the liposomes, whereas water-soluble compounds can be loaded into the aqueous interior cavity.
Liposomes are the most intensely investigated nanocarriers in the field of targeted drug delivery. Several liposome-based drugs have been clinically approved to treat diseases ranging from cancers to infections, demonstrating their versatility and applicability in drug delivery. Liposomes can significantly change pharmacokinetics and lower toxicity of drug products. Moreover, liposomes are highly biocompatible and biodegradable, show low immunogenicity, and they can be easily surface functionalized for targeted, sustained and prolonged release.
Liposomes
”Liposome application as nutraceuticals is currently rapidly evolving, mainly inspired by the possibility that liposomal incorporation can enhance the often poor uptake of nutraceutical compounds into the bloodstream after oral intake.”
Liposomes can act as delivery vehicles for a wide spectrum of bioactive compounds . Liposomes are small spherical vesicles consisting of one or more membranes surrounding aqueous compartments. Structurally, these membranes consist of bilayers of phospholipids, natural molecules which are also the main component of human cell membranes. Because of the presence of a water as well as a lipid compartment within one liposome particle, both water soluble and poorly water-soluble compounds can be incorporated in liposomes. Until recently, the use of liposomes in medicine was mainly restricted to their use as pharmaceuticals. Their application as nutraceuticals is currently rapidly evolving, mainly inspired by the possibility that liposomal incorporation can enhance the often-poor uptake of nutraceutical compounds into the bloodstream after oral intake.
Benefits of Phospholipids as building blocks
”Phospholipids are vital to physiological processes and healthy organ function”
Phospholipids are the fundamental building blocks of cell membranes and liposomes. They have a polar, hydrophilic head group and two hydrophobic tails, which are usually fatty acids. They are essential for the formation of the liposomal vesicles for the delivery of bioactive compounds. They also have health benefits themselves. For example, they are required for the assembly and secretion of lipoproteins that transport lipids and cholesterol through the bloodstream. Furthermore, maintaining proper levels and ratios of phospholipid types is vital for healthy organ function . Health effects of dietary phospholipids have been reported in many studies, as exemplified by scientific literature pointing to beneficial effects regarding inflammation , liver health , fatigue reduction and brain function . Phospholipids like PC and PE naturally occur in several dietary sources such as egg, soybeans and milk . Being composed of phospholipids, our liposomes are fully biologically degradable.
Liposomes in Dermal Applications: Enhancing Cosmetic Formulations
Liposomes are small, unilamellar vesicles recognized for their flexibility and effectiveness in dermal applications. Since their debut in cosmetics in 1987, they have become integral to numerous products, including gels, creams, and moisturizers.
Moisture Delivery
The lipids in liposomes retain moisture, releasing it onto the skin as the vesicles rupture, making them particularly effective for dry skin formulations.
Skin Barrier Formation
Liposomes create an occlusive layer on the skin, protecting against external stressors such as UV radiation and sweat while enhancing the penetration of encapsulated active ingredients.
Enhanced Efficacy
Products like water-resistant sun care containing liposome-encapsulated UV filters exemplify the improved performance of these formulations. Research also shows that moisturizers with aloe vera encapsulated in liposomes provide superior anti-wrinkle effects compared to the gel alone.
Versatility
Liposomes can encapsulate a variety of beneficial compounds, including CoQ10, vitamin E, and other vitamins and amino acids, facilitating the creation of targeted skincare solutions.
Advantages of liposomal nutraceuticals
”The encapsulation of bioactive compounds in liposomes is attractive as liposomes have been shown to be able to overcome serious hurdles actives would otherwise encounter in the gastrointestinal tract”
Liposomal nutraceuticals contain bioactive compounds with health-promoting effects. The encapsulation of bioactive compounds in liposomes is attractive as liposomes have been shown to be able to overcome serious hurdles bioactives would otherwise encounter in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract upon oral intake . Poor water solubility and degradation during their passage through the GI tract are often strongly limiting the entry of these compounds into the bloodstream. Liposome encapsulation can increase the arrival of such compounds in the blood circulation (bioavailability) by providing solubilization and protection. The exact mechanisms by which liposomes are able to increase the bioavailability of such compounds are still further investigated. As liposomes are composed of building blocks that are also naturally occurring as major components of cell membranes in the human body, they are biodegradable and safe for oral use.
