Colloidal drug delivery systems are dispersions of drug-associated particles or supramolecular assemblies within a continuous medium, commonly an aqueous phase [1][2]. Their dispersed components can contain lipids, polymers, or other materials that incorporate a therapeutic substance through encapsulation, partitioning, or association with a surface [2]. Liposomes are one structural class: phospholipid bilayers enclose an aqueous compartment, allowing different drug molecules to occupy the internal fluid or the membrane [1]. Particle composition, size distribution, and surface organization influence colloidal interactions and the disposition of the associated drug [2][3]. Loading methods determine both the amount incorporated and its location within the carrier [3]. Surface modification can change interactions with biological fluids, while carrier destabilization or permeation through its components can release the payload [3][4]. The colloidal particle and the drug therefore have related but distinct transport and clearance behaviours [2][4]. A preparation is characterized by the dispersed structures together with the molecular state and distribution of the drug they contain [1][2][3][4].
- liposomes
- colloidal carriers
- drug encapsulation
- surface modification
Pharmacology and Nanomedicine Research·Drug Discovery·Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics·Life Sciences
References
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- Theresa M. Allen; Pieter R. Cullis; Liposomal drug delivery systems: From concept to clinical applications. Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 2013, 65, 36-48, 10.1016/j.addr.2012.09.037.
- Bhushan S. Pattni; Vladimir V. Chupin; Vladimir P. Torchilin; New Developments in Liposomal Drug Delivery. Chem. Rev. 2015, 115, 10938-10966, 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00046.