Liposome‐based bioassays

Abstract

This review highlights the potential of using liposomes in bioassays. Liposomes consist of nano‐ or micro‐sized, synthetically constructed phospholipid vesicles. Liposomes can be loaded with a number of reporting molecules that allow a dramatic amplification of the detection threshold in bioassays. Liposome‐based sensors bind or react with the biological components of targets through the introduction of properly tailored vectors anchored on their external surface. The use of liposome‐based formulations allows the set‐up of bioassays that are rapid, sensitive, and often suitable for in‐field applications. Selected applications in the field of immunoassays, as well as recognition/assessment of corona proteins, nucleic acids, exosomes, bacteria, and viruses are surveyed. The role of magnetoliposomes is also highlighted as an additional tool in the armory of liposome‐based systems for bioassays.