Lipid vesicles: applications, principal components and methods used in their formulations: A review

Abstract

Liposomes and niosomes are currently the most studied lipid vesicles in the nanomedicine field. The system formed by a phospholipid bilayer in aqueous medium allows these vesicles to carry both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds, providing an increase in solubility of drugs lready used in conventional therapy. The focus on the development of these vesicles should be directed to determining the ideal composition, with low toxicity, biocompatibility and which remains stable for long periods. These characteristics are related to the components used for formulation and the substances that will be encapsulated. Another important point relates to the methods used during formulation, which are important in determining the type of vesicle formed, whether these be large or small, unilamellar or multilamellar. Because of the deliberate actions applied in the development of these vesicles, this review sought to gather updated information regarding the different methods used, including their main components while considering the behavior of each of them when used in different formulations. Also, data showing the importance of formulations in the medical field evidencing studies performed with liposome and niosome vesicles as promising in this area, and others, were included. The approach allows a better understanding of the participation of components in formulations such as cholesterol and non-ionic surfactants, as well as the basis for choosing the ideal components and methods for future research in the development of these vesicles.

Atorvastatin-loaded emulsomes foam as a topical antifungal formulation

“…1 a-b ( p < 0.0001). Cholesterol can regulate membrane rigidity, fluidity, and stability but in consideration of dependent concentration as elevation may induce fusion and aggregation ( Camilo et al, 2020 ). As previously discussed by Khan et al during the evaluation of transfersomes vesicles, the incorporation of cholesterol in the vesicle system may cause an increment in PS and PDI as a result of increasing surface hydrophobicity which stimulates particle aggregation.…”

Electrohydrodynamic Techniques for the Manufacture and/or Immobilization of Vesicles

“…Many strategies have been developed to achieve a longer circulation of liposomes in the blood, such as adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the membrane. In addition to controlling the release of drugs, it increases its durability by providing protection from external agents, such as light, humidity, and oxygen [ 16 ]. The incorporation of PEG molecules bearing specific functional groups (amine, thiol, etc.)…”

“…Additives are often added to niosomes formulations to stabilize the dispersions, thus avoiding aggregation, fusion, and drug loss. Although the components of niosomes are generally considered innocuous, there are still some safety concerns, given that specific studies of the niosome toxicity after administration in animals have not yet been performed [ 9 , 16 , 22 ].…”

A Review on the Delivery of Plant-Based Antidiabetic Agents Using Nanocarriers: Current Status and Their Role in Combatting Hyperglycaemia

“…As well as the ability to control and sustain the release of drugs at specific sites, the liposomal membrane can also protect the encapsulated drugs from light, moisture and oxygen [ 45 ]. Liposomes can improve the physicochemical properties and onset time of the incorporated compounds and decrease their toxicity [ 46 , 47 ]. Liposomes fulfil the requirements of suitable drug carriers as they are biodegradable, biocompatible and stable in colloidal solutions [ 37 ].…”