Nanoliposomes

Nanoliposomes represent advanced nanocarriers for drug delivery, diagnostics, and cosmetics. Given the unique properties of nanoliposomes, their use is capable of enhancing the therapeutic effect and targeting certain aspects of delivery, which places nanoliposomes in a very important position in research and application. BOC Sciences is committed to developing leading-edge nanoliposome technologies; thus, it can offer all kinds of nanoliposome products for various applications. In addition, we offer a range of custom liposome services for you to choose from. At BOC Sciences, you're sure to make a difference in liposomes.

Nanoliposomes Definition

Nanoliposomes are lipid-based nanocarriers that consist of phospholipid bilayers encapsulating active substances, including drugs, genes, and imaging agents. These nanosized vesicles, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers in diameter, enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of a diverse array of pharmaceutical compounds. Nanoliposomes can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, thereby enhancing the solubility and stability of poorly water-soluble drugs. This unique characteristic makes them invaluable in formulating drugs for various medical conditions, as they improve absorption and ensure that therapeutic agents reach their intended targets. Furthermore, the capacity to engineer their surface properties enables targeted delivery to specific tissues or cells, thus maximizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects.

Schematic structure of nanoliposome. (Mohanta, B.C.; et al, 2019)

Nanoliposomes from BOC Sciences

BOC Sciences offers a variety of specialized nanoliposome products that leverage advanced formulations for improved efficacy:

• Liposomal-gold Nanoparticles

These formulations combine gold nanoparticles with liposomes, leveraging gold's optical and electronic properties for targeted cancer therapy. They enhance localization of chemotherapeutic agents at tumor sites, improving efficacy and reducing off-target effects.

• Magnetic Nanoliposomes

 Incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles facilitates the target delivery of magnetic liposomes with the aid of external magnetic fields. Hence, this improves the effectiveness of treatments with reduced systemic exposure through the specific localization of therapeutic agents. Controlled drug release by external manipulation signifies use in precision medicine.

• QDs Nanoliposomes

 Quantum dots (QDs) liposomes integrate fluorescent quantum dots into the liposomal structure for real-time imaging. This enables such a combination to trace distribution and cellular uptake of drugs, finding valuable applications in the visualization of in vivo pharmacokinetics.

• Chitosan Nanoliposomes

Engineered from chitosan, these nano-liposomes enhance stability and bioavailability of drugs with mucoadhesive properties, enabling improved absorption in mucosal tissues. Their biocompatibility and biodegradability allow them to be suitable for drug delivery and in mucosal vaccine applications.

• Upconversion Nanoliposomes

Liposomes loaded with upconversion nanoparticles can proficiently convert near-infrared light into visible light, which allows site-specific drug release and simultaneous imaging. Because of this feature, they are ideal for photothermal therapy and fluorescence imaging.

• Graphene Nanoliposomes

These nano-liposomes now incorporate graphene oxide, enhancing mechanical strength, drug-loading capacity, and other exciting features. Graphene-based nano-carriers promise controlled drug release and increased cellular uptake, due to the unique properties of graphene, and may find potential applications in cancer therapy, among other biomedical applications.

Nanoliposomes Preparation

Generally, the preparation of nanoliposomes involves various sophisticated techniques, each having different advantages concerning optimization of size, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profile.

• Thin Film Hydration: The technique involves the dissolving of lipids into organic solvents and subsequent evaporation to form a thin film; this is followed by hydration with an aqueous solution containing the drug to yield nanoliposomes. The technique is preferred for reasons of simplicity and efficiency in producing homogenous liposomal structures.
• Extrusion: Under pressure, the liposomal preparation after hydration is forced to pass through polycarbonate membranes. These help in achieving a uniform size distribution and further stabilize the resulting nanoliposomes for various applications.
• Microfluidization: In general, microfluidization applies high shear forces, which reduce the size of liposomes and ensure homogeneity. This technique is very useful in generating very small, stable nanoliposomes highly desired for efficient drug delivery.

In this respect, each of these techniques has its own advantages, making it possible to fine-tune some nanoliposome features, such as their size and drug loading capacity, among other important parameters determining performance in therapeutic use.

Nanoliposomes Function

Improved Bioavailability: By encapsulating drugs, nanoliposomes enhance their solubility and stability, which leads to better absorption in biological systems. This improvement is particularly significant for poorly soluble drugs, which often face challenges in achieving therapeutic concentrations in the bloodstream.

Targeted Delivery: The surface of nanoliposomes can be modified with specific ligands or antibodies that enable them to bind selectively to certain cell types. This will enhance not only the effectiveness of drugs but also reduce their side effects by decreasing exposure to non-target cells.

Controlled Release: Nanoliposomes can be designed to release their encapsulated drugs in response to specific physiological stimuli, such as a change in pH or temperature, in a highly controlled fashion. This provides extended therapeutic action and reduces dosage frequency.

Ease of Rational Modification: The flexibility in nanoliposomes allows their composition and structure to be rationally modified. Systematic alteration in the types and ratios of lipids, along with modification of their surface characteristics, improves properties related to drug loading, release profiles, and targeting. This kind of rationale design further accelerates the development of nanoliposomes fitted for particular applications and makes them flexible toward emerging therapeutic needs.

Nanoliposome vs Liposome

Conventional liposomes and nanoliposomes possess similar structural characteristics, although their size is quite different in nature. Nanoliposomes are much smaller and, frequently, less than 100 nanometers, showing excellent pharmacokinetics, increased cell interaction, and increased stability in biological media. The advantage of these nanoscale dimensions shows better therapeutic effectiveness, since nanoliposomes may easily penetrate the tissues and interact well with cells. Moreover, it is smaller, which would provide a better circulation time within the blood and a greater possibility of reaching the target tissues.

Nanoliposomes Uses

Nanoliposomes Drugs

Many pharmaceutical companies are still into research on the nanoliposomal formulation of various drugs, mainly to achieve an enhanced therapeutic outcome on poor delivery mechanisms. Nanoliposomes have therefore gained a major position of treatment options in several therapeutic areas due to their enhanced stability, bioavailability, and potential target delivery.

• Nanoliposomal Drug Delivery Systems

Nanoliposomes are spherical vesicles composed of phospholipid bilayers, where APIs are encapsulated either in the hydrophilic or hydrophobic compartments. In a diameter range from 50 to 200 nm, the nanoscale size greatly enhances their permeation into tissues and cellular uptake. For the preparation of nanoliposomes, variation in their composition would be possible through the use of different selected lipids and additives, thereby achieving a tailored profile in the desired release and targeting mechanism.

Nanoliposomes in Cosmetics

Nanoliposomes undoubtedly represent one of the most innovative active ingredients used in contemporary cosmetic practice. Due to their encapsulation functionality, providing higher activity and stability of formulations, deeper skin penetration is achievable. The newly developed system of active delivery enabled highly effective skin care preparation with an improved moisturizing, anti-aging, and protective action.

• Types of Nanoliposomes in Cosmetics

(1) Hydration Nanoliposomes: These nanoliposomes are designed to enhance moisture retention in the skin, effectively addressing dryness and promoting a youthful appearance. Their efficient delivery of hydrating agents makes them ideal for moisturizers and serums.

(2) Anti-aging Nanoliposomes: Targeting the delivery of antioxidants and peptides, these nanoliposomes combat signs of aging by promoting skin regeneration and reducing fine lines. Their precise delivery mechanism maximizes the bioavailability and effects of active ingredients.

(3) Sunscreen Nanoliposomes: Formulated to enhance UV protection, these nanoliposomes improve the stability and efficacy of sunscreen agents. They ensure active ingredients penetrate the skin effectively, providing superior protection against harmful UV radiation.

Nanoliposomes in Diagnostics

Unique properties and capabilities have made nanoliposomes increasingly popular in the field of diagnostics. Due to their extremely small size, biocompatibility, and the ability to encapsulate a wide range of diagnostic agents, nanoliposomes are ideal in enhancing sensitivity and specificity in diagnostic assays.

Examples of Nanoliposomes in Biomedicine

Nanoliposomal Irinotecan

Irinotecan has proved to be a very potent chemotherapeutic agent whose potential may be elaborated within the nanoliposome to enhance its pharmacokinetics and therapeutic index. The formulation enhances drug solubility and stability, leading to enhanced clinical outcomes of cancer treatment with reduced systemic toxicity.

Ceramide Nanoliposome

Nanoliposomes loaded with ceramide represent an immense potential in dermatological applications that enhance the skin barrier and hydrate skin. Since such formulations deliver ceramides directly to skin cells, this can improve the health of skin and the fight against disorders like dryness and eczema.

Rhenium-186 Nanoliposome

Utilizing the radioisotope rhenium-186, these nanoliposomes are designed for targeted radiotherapy in oncology. By delivering localized radiation to tumor sites, rhenium-186 nanoliposomes minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue, offering a novel approach to cancer treatment.

Nanoliposomal GABA

GABA is a neurotransmitter used to decrease the excitability of neurons; the nanoliposomal delivery of this neurotransmitter is highly effective. This form increases its blood-brain barrier permeability, hence giving a scope for therapeutic benefits in anxiety and sleep disorders.

Nanoliposomal Glutathione

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant encapsulated in nanoliposomes, researched for fighting against oxidative stress in many diseases, including neurodegenerative ones. Nanoliposomal technology increases its bioavailability and maximizes its therapeutic potential.

Nano Liposomal Methylene Blue

This formulation is being investigated for its neuroprotective action and may also be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. In this form, methylene blue has greater stability and better absorption, hence greater action in therapeutic applications.

Nano Liposomal Curcumin

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol with well-established anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. However, when taken orally, it has poor bioavailability. Nanoliposomal formulations enhance its solubility and absorption immensely, amplifying its action in many clinical applications.

Nano Liposomal Vitamin C

Vitamin C is highly recognized for its antioxidant action, and when prepared in nanoliposomes, stability and absorption are considerably improved. This preparation has advantages with respect to both therapeutic uses and cosmetic applications by enhancing skin health and lessening the signs of aging.

Baicalin-Loaded Nanoliposomes

Baicalin is a flavonoid that possesses various beneficial health effects and may be effectively delivered through the use of nanoliposomal systems. This preparation would improve the bioavailability and therapeutic effect of baicalin in several health disorders.

Quercetin Nanoliposomes

Quercetin, already acknowledged for potent antioxidant activity, has been shown to gain from improved bioavailability in nanoliposomal preparation. This preparation gives much higher therapeutic efficacy in dietary supplements and therapeutic applications.

Advantages of Nanoliposomal Products from BOC Sciences

• Improved Stability: Nanoliposomal products from BOC Sciences offer greater stability of encapsulated compounds, protecting them from degradation and ensuring prolonged effectiveness.
• Versatile Applications: Our nanoliposomes are suitable for a wide range of applications, including skincare, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, making them a versatile choice for various industries.
• Customization Options: BOC Sciences provides tailored solutions to meet specific client needs, allowing for the customization of nanoliposomal formulations based on desired properties and applications.
• Regulatory Compliance: BOC Sciences adheres to stringent quality control and regulatory standards, ensuring that our nanoliposomal products are safe, effective, and compliant with industry regulations.
• Expert Support: Our team of experienced scientists and researchers is dedicated to providing expert support throughout the development process, assisting clients in optimizing their formulations for maximum impact.

Nanoliposomes represent one of the advanced methods of modern therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Further investment by BOC Sciences in nanoliposomal technology advancement keeps opening a potential for further cosmetic formulation and drug delivery system development. Since constant research and development are being carried on, nanoliposomes promise a great change in the face of cosmetic innovation and drug delivery by offering more efficient and safe solutions.

Reference

1. Mohanta, B.C.; et al. Lipid Based Nanoparticles: Current Strategies for Brain Tumor Targeting. Current Nanomaterials. 2019, 4.