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Review
. 2024 Jun 1:346:122616.
doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122616. Epub 2024 Apr 8.

Unravelling the in vivo dynamics of liposomes: Insights into biodistribution and cellular membrane interactions

Affiliations
Review

Unravelling the in vivo dynamics of liposomes: Insights into biodistribution and cellular membrane interactions

Sharanya Paramshetti et al. Life Sci. .

Abstract

Liposomes, as a colloidal drug delivery system dating back to the 1960s, remain a focal point of extensive research and stand as a highly efficient drug delivery method. The amalgamation of technological and biological advancements has propelled their evolution, elevating them to their current status. The key attributes of biodegradability and biocompatibility have been instrumental in driving substantial progress in liposome development. Demonstrating a remarkable ability to surmount barriers in drug absorption, enhance stability, and achieve targeted distribution within the body, liposomes have become pivotal in pharmaceutical research. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the intricate details of liposomal drug delivery systems, focusing specifically on their pharmacokinetics and cell membrane interactions via fusion, lipid exchange, endocytosis etc. Emphasizing the nuanced impact of various liposomal characteristics, we explore factors such as lipid composition, particle size, surface modifications, charge, dosage, and administration routes. By dissecting the multifaceted interactions between liposomes and biological barriers, including the reticuloendothelial system (RES), opsonization, enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) phenomenon, and Complement Activation-Related Pseudoallergy (CARPA) effect, we provide a deeper understanding of liposomal behaviour in vivo. Furthermore, this review addresses the intricate challenges associated with translating liposomal technology into practical applications, offering insights into overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical adoption and patent landscape of liposomes across diverse biomedical domains, shedding light on their potential implications for future research and therapeutic developments.

Keywords: Biodistribution; Clinical trials and patents; EPR effect; Liposomal cellular uptake; Liposomes; Pharmacokinetics; Reticuloendothelial system.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests. Prof. Umme Hani reports financial support was provided by King Khalid University.

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