Liposomes
Liposomes
Liposomes (/ˈlaɪpəˌsoʊmz/, from Greek lipos "fat" and soma "body") are artificially-prepared vesicles made of a lipid bilayer. They are a major component in the field of nanotechnology and are used in medicine and pharmacology for drug delivery.
Etymology
The term "liposome" is derived from two Greek words: 'Lipos' meaning fat and 'Soma' meaning body. It is indicative of the structure of liposome, which is composed of a lipid bilayer.
Structure
Liposomes are composed of an aqueous core surrounded by one or more concentric lipid bilayers. These are formed when certain lipids are dispersed in an aqueous medium, resulting in closed bilayer systems.
Function
In the medical field, liposomes are used as vehicles for administration of nutrients and pharmaceutical drugs. They are also used in the delivery of gene therapy, and as vaccine adjuvants.
Related Terms
- Phospholipid: A major component of all cell membranes, phospholipids form the basic structure of a liposome.
- Nanoparticle: Liposomes are a type of nanoparticle used in drug delivery.
- Drug delivery: Liposomes are often used to deliver drugs to specific parts of the body.
- Vesicle (biology and chemistry): Liposomes are a type of vesicle, or small bubble within the body, composed of lipid bilayers.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Liposomes
- Wikipedia's article - Liposomes
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