A liposome is a spherical vesicle with a membrane composed of a phospholipidbilayer used to deliver drugs or genetic material into a cell.
The lipid bilayer can fuse with other bilayers (e.g., the cell membrane), thus delivering the liposome contents. By making liposomes in a solution of DNA or drugs,(which would normally be unable to diffuse through the membrane), they can be (indiscriminately) delivered past the lipid bilayer.
Liposomes are artificially prepared lipidvesicles that can be used to encapsulate molecules such as clodronate, solved in aqueous solutions.
After injection, liposomes will be ingested and digested by macrophages followed by intracellular release and accumulation of clodronate.
Moreover, promising results were obtained by application of clodronate liposomes for suppression of macrophage activity in various models of autoimmune diseases, transplantation, neurological disorders and gene therapy.
Once they reach their target in the arteries, the echogenic liposomes, or ELIPs, produce an acoustic shadow that improves ultrasound's ability to visualize and diagnose the extent of plaques or clots within the arteries.
Liposomes are used in the cosmetic industry to transport small molecules into cells.
The liposome wall is similar in composition to the material of cell membranes.
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