Liposome-based nanocapsules

IEEE Trans Nanobioscience. 2004 Mar;3(1):49-55. doi: 10.1109/tnb.2004.824273.

Abstract

Here we present three different types of mechanically stable nanometer-sized hollow capsules. The common point of the currently developed systems in our laboratory is that they are liposome based. Biomolecules can be used to functionalize lipid vesicles to create a new type of intelligent material. For example, insertion of membrane channels into the capsule wall can modify the permeability. Covalent binding of antibodies allows targeting of the capsule to specific sites. Liposomes loaded with enzymes may provide an optimal environment for them with respect to the maximal turnover and may stabilize the enzyme. However, the main drawback of liposomes is their instability in biological media as well as their sensitivity to many external parameters such as temperature or osmotic pressure. To increase their stability we follow different strategies: 1) polymerize a two-dimensional network in the hydrophobic core of the membrane; 2) coat the liposome with a polyelectrolyte shell; or 3) add surface active polymers to form mixed vesicular structures.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Capsules / chemical synthesis
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Liposomes / chemical synthesis*
  • Methacrylates / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Nanostructures*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Polyamines / chemistry
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Liposomes
  • Methacrylates
  • Polyamines
  • Polystyrenes
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • polyallylamine
  • polystyrene sulfonic acid