An overview of liposome-derived nanocarrier technologies

Abstract

Lipid-based nanocarrier systems are among the most applied encapsulation, targeting and controlled release technologies. They are being used to incorporate and protect materials with different solubilities and deliver them to the site required inside the body as well as outside the body, in vitro. Among the lipid-based encapsulation systems, liposomes and their derivatives are the most applied and further developed. There are some liposome-derived carriers approved for human use on the market, which mainly utilise oral, transdermal and parenteral delivery routes. Research for the development and optimization of liposomal systems for pulmonary and nasal applications are also ongoing. Methods of preparation of these micro- and nanocarriers have evolved to exclude utilisation of harmful substances such as toxic organic solvents and also enable preparation of safe and efficient systems on industrial scales. In this chapter, an overview of eight different liposome-derived nanocarriers with respect to their characteristics, preparation methods and application is presented © 2007 Springer.