Liposomes modified with bio-substances for cancer treatment

Biomater Sci. 2020 Dec 7;8(23):6442-6468. doi: 10.1039/d0bm01531h. Epub 2020 Oct 27.

Abstract

In recent years, liposomes have been used in the field of biomedicine and have achieved many significant results. Because of the unique characteristics of liposomes, there are many materials that can be loaded in many types of liposome, such as biologically active substances. Liposomes are made of lipid bilayers, which are very similar to cell membranes. They have many biological and technical advantages and have even been used in clinical practice because of their unique structure. As liposomes have hydrophobic cavities and hydrophilic cavities, they can simultaneously load hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. This causes an increase in the drug loading efficiency and therapeutic capability. Different therapeutic effects are achieved by different methods such as placing the biological materials in the bilayer structure of the liposome or encapsulating them in the liposome. By these methods, bio-simulated liposomes can achieve considerable cancer treatment effects. Now liposomes have become an independent platform and play an important role in many facets. In this review, we focus on the use of liposomes composed of biomaterials for the treatment of cancer. These include liposomes that mimic mammalian cells, bacteria, and viruses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Liposomes*
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Liposomes