mardi 16 juillet 2013

Understanding The Use And Significance Of Liposome

By Danielle Galloway


Through the years, the evolution of medical science and the benefits that came with it has been evident. It continues to search for solutions and effective treatments to many different diseases. Among the most notable and remarkable breakthroughs of the industry is its discovery on liposome. This is now used to ensure success in organ transplant surgeries, treat many medical anomalies and enhance the efficiency of drugs being administered.

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.

This can also help fight autoimmune diseases. In most transplant surgeries, the body initially identifies the newly transplanted organ as a foreign object. As a result, the immune system will try to attack it as the body's natural reaction to protect itself from infestation. This can lead to the body's rejection of the harvested organ. The artificial lipid can help suppress the immune system to slow down its progression.

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.

The vesicles are produced in different sizes. Generally, these have to be small enough for the white blood cells to engulf the bubbles with ease before releasing the drugs it carries. A decision must be made before the production process to determine the size and number of vessels needed. 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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