It appears you may have been searching for the term “liposome,” as “lyposome” is a common misspelling. A liposome is a microscopic, spherical vesicle with a hollow aqueous core. These structures are artificially created and serve as tiny delivery vehicles for various substances within the body. Their composition is based on the same types of fat molecules that form our own cell membranes, allowing them to navigate biological environments effectively.
The Structure of a Liposome
Liposomes are primarily constructed from molecules called phospholipids. Each phospholipid molecule has a distinct architecture, featuring a “head” that is hydrophilic, meaning it is attracted to water, and a “tail” that is hydrophobic, meaning it is repelled by water.
When these phospholipids are placed in water, they spontaneously self-assemble to satisfy their opposing affinities. They arrange themselves into a double layer, or bilayer, with the water-repelling tails facing inward toward each other, shielded from the surrounding liquid. Simultaneously, the water-attracting heads orient themselves outward, facing the aqueous environment both inside and outside the sphere. This arrangement creates a stable, enclosed structure.
The result of this self-assembly is a complete, hollow sphere, ranging in size from 30 nanometers to several micrometers. This phospholipid bilayer forms a membrane that encapsulates a small, watery compartment. The specific type of phospholipids used can also determine the fluidity and stability of the liposome’s membrane, allowing for a degree of customization based on its intended purpose.
How Liposomes Function as Delivery Systems
A liposome’s design allows it to carry two different types of cargo. Water-soluble substances, such as certain vitamins and extracts, can be held within the internal aqueous core of the sphere. In contrast, fat-soluble or hydrophobic compounds can be embedded directly within the oily bilayer membrane itself.
The protective lipid bilayer shields the encapsulated contents from the harsh environment of the digestive system. This protection prevents the premature breakdown of the cargo by digestive enzymes and stomach acid, ensuring more of the active ingredient remains intact and available for absorption into the bloodstream.
The delivery mechanism is completed when the liposome interacts with a cell in the body. Because liposomes are made from the same phospholipids that constitute our own cell membranes, they are recognized as compatible. This compatibility allows the liposome to fuse directly with the cell membrane, releasing its payload directly into the cell’s interior. This direct delivery method enhances the absorption and bioavailability of the transported substance.
Common Applications of Liposomal Technology
Liposomal technology is used to increase the bioavailability of various nutrients in supplements. When vitamins or minerals are encapsulated in liposomes, they are better protected from degradation in the gut, allowing for higher absorption rates compared to traditional pill or capsule forms.
In the pharmaceutical industry, liposomes are used for targeted drug delivery, which is used in oncology. Potent chemotherapy drugs can be encapsulated within liposomes, which then act as carriers to deliver the medication more directly to tumor sites. This approach can help minimize the exposure of healthy tissues to the toxic drugs, potentially reducing the side effects often associated with cancer treatment. Several liposomal drug formulations are already in clinical use, including treatments for various cancers.
Cosmetics also utilize liposomal technology to enhance the effectiveness of skincare products. Active ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants are encapsulated to improve their delivery into the deeper layers of the skin. This method helps overcome the skin’s natural barrier, allowing the ingredients to penetrate more effectively than they would in a conventional cream or serum.