Medical science is constantly evolving. Through the years, it continues to look for solutions and treatments for various medical diseases. One of the remarkable discoveries that science stumbled into is the liposome. This is a recent breakthrough that is believed to be potent in treating many medical malfunctions. It is also used to help administer drugs more efficiently and increase the success rate of organ transplant among other functions.

The liposomes are tiny, microscopic vesicles which are produced and developed in laboratories. These are made of phospholipids, which are extracted from other sources or produced by natural means. The outer wall of the vesicles has similar composition as a cell wall. Hence, it can interact with the cells directly. These tiny, sphere-shaped bubbles typically have watery core.

This structure is most popular for its function to help in drug administration. With its unique property, the vesicles can deliver the drugs to specific parts of the patient's body using the process of diffusion. This property is essential in transporting biological agents, such as antibodies, to specific tissues. Its bi-layered membranes also allow carriage of hydrophobic drugs.

The spheroid bubbles can also extend the delivery time for the drugs while keeping its potency. The bi-layered bubble slowly releases the drugs over a span of time. Thus, side-effects may be reduced. Since the vesicle only releases the medication to the affected tissues, it can also help maximize the effects of the drugs.

This is also believed to be a natural cancer fighting agent. The spheroid-shaped vesicle can be used in targeting the cancer cells by slipping right through the tumor through blood flow. Cancer cells are noted to be leaky in nature, allowing even small particles to escape. Yet, since human blood vessels cannot get pass the endothelial wall and the liposomes have similar structure, it can stay in the bloodstreams.

This can also help fight autoimmune diseases. In most transplant surgeries, the body initially identifies the newly transplanted organ as a foreign object. As a result, the immune system will try to attack it as the body's natural reaction to protect itself from infestation. This can lead to the body's rejection of the harvested organ. The artificial lipid can help suppress the immune system to slow down its progression.

The vesicles are not spontaneously produced, though. There are various methods used to create these drug vessels according to its function and purpose. Its method of dissemination must be considered as well as the type of materials that will be transported.

The vesicles can be produced in varying sizes. Typically, these are developed small enough so the white blood cells can easily engulf it before releasing the drug it carries. Decision has to be made before production to know the size and number of vesicles to be produced. If there is a need, reproduction must also be considered.

One reservation for medical practitioners regarding this extremely useful breakthrough is its production costs. Mass production is currently unavailable since the vessels cannot last long after its creation. There has been cases of instability and unintentional mixture of drugs as well. Other than that, liposome is definitely a promising discovery.