Liposomes and Nanotechnology in Biochemistry

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to liposomes and nanotechnology in biochemistry, focusing on definitions and applications.

Liposomes

Nano-sized particles formed by a lipid bilayer enclosing an aqueous core, used in drug delivery and other applications.

Nanotechnology

A field of science and engineering that involves manipulating atoms and molecules at the nanoscale.

Hydrophobic tail

The part of a phospholipid molecule that is water-repellent.

Hydrophilic head

The part of a phospholipid molecule that is attracted to water.

Unilamellar liposomes

Liposomes with a single lipid bilayer.

Multilamellar liposomes

Liposomes that consist of multiple concentric lipid bilayers.

Cationic liposomes

Liposomes containing cationic lipid, used for gene therapy and drug delivery.

pH-sensitive liposomes

Liposomes designed to release their contents in response to acidic conditions.

Active loading

A method for loading drugs into liposomes using a proton gradient.

Virosomes

Liposome-like particles that incorporate viral proteins, used for targeted delivery.

Ethosomes

Liposomes made with phospholipids and ethanol, used for enhanced drug delivery.

Phytosomes

Liposomes designed to encapsulate plant-based phytochemicals.

Niosomes

Non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles used for drug delivery.

Archaesomes

Novel liposomes made from unique archaeal lipids.

Hydration method

A technique used to produce liposomes by adding water to dry lipid mixtures.

Reverse phase evaporation

A process used to create liposomes by evaporating organic solvents.