Nanoliposomes as safe and efficient drug delivery nanovesicles

Nanoliposomes are powerful drug delivery systems that have gained considerable attention over the past decade. They are characterized by their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and their ability to effectively entrap hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs in addition to nucleic acid–based therapeutics and imaging agents. Nanoliposomes enhance the bioavailability and the biodistribution of the loaded therapeutic agent, its concentration at the action site, and its therapeutic performance thus causing minimal side effects to patients. Nanoliposomes can be easily modified with targeting ligands or stimuli-responsive moieties to ensure site-specific delivery and selective release of the therapeutic agent at the desirable action site. Interestingly, various nanoliposomal formulations have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for clinical use against several diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. This chapter reviews the chemical components of nanoliposomes and the methods of nanocarrier preparation and drug loading, in addition to the characterization of the generated nanovesicles. We also discuss clinical applications of nanoliposomes for treating numerous diseases and for delivering vaccines, as well as their use in theranostics.