The development of liposomes as a drug delivery system has fluctuated since its introduction in the late 1960's by A.D. Bangham. While academic research of liposomes as a model membrane system has always flourished, as the exponential growth of papers can testify, the application of these findings to medically useful products has gone through several crises. Following the original optimism in the 70's and early 80's, a period of severe skepticism ensued at the end of the 80's and beginning of the 90's, culminating in a moderate but real optimism in the mid 90's, as a result of a successful launch of the first products in the US and Europe.In this collection of papers, the editors have gathered the most promising ideas, approaches, applications and commercial developments, thereby presenting an up-to-date compilation of the present status of the field. This includes such broad areas as anti-cancer chemotherapy immune stimulation and infectious diseases. Currently, the major areas of progress are in delivery of anti-fungal agents by conventional liposomes or lipid-based carriers and systemic anticancer therapy using long-circulating liposomes. The future applications as characterized by the direction of present day research is in specific targeting and delivery of informational molecules such as DNA plasmids (genes), antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes. Other future developments may be in topical delivery, vaccination and in diagnostics.Features of this book:• Contributions from almost all the leading labs in the field• Up-to-date, critical reviews bridged by editors' introductions• Organized into a logical framework.

Providing optimal care to patients is a primary concern in the healthcare field. By utilizing the latest resources and research in biomedical applications, the needs and expectations of patients can be successfully exceeded. Novel Approaches for Drug Delivery is an authoritative reference source for the latest scholarly research on emerging developments within the pharmaceutical industry, examining the current state and future directions of drug delivery systems. Highlighting therapeutic applications, predictive toxicology, and risk assessment perspectives, this book is ideally designed for medical practitioners, pharmacists, graduate-level students, scientists, and researchers.

This edited book highlights the central players in the Bionanotechnology field - which are the nanostructures and biomolecules. It provides broad examples of current developments in Bionanotechnology research and is an excellent introduction to the field. The book describes how nanostructures are synthesized and details the wide variety of nanostructures available for biological research and applications. Examples of the unique properties of nanostructures are provided along with the current applications of these nanostructures in biology and medicine. The final chapters of the book describe the toxicity of nanostructures.

This book throws light on the various methods of preparation and characterization of liposomes. With the advancements in technology since their discovery, newer methods of generating liposomes have been developed. Needless to say, over time liposomes have been modified to a large extent and engineered to suit many of our growing needs. This book throws light on the various methods of preparation and characterization of liposomes. It also discusses the several biochemical and indirect methods that have made it possible to understand the biological and physicochemical mechanisms of liposomes that decide their fate in vivo. In spite of certain limitations, liposomes have proved to be more suitable for a number of unconventional applications. This versatility of liposomes outlined in the book brings out the importance of these nanoparticles in the future applications of nanotechnology besides targeted drug delivery. Overall, this book provides the necessary information about the various aspects of liposomes for beginners.

Liposomes have become an important model in fundamental biomembrane research, including biophysical, biochemical, and cell biological studies of membranes and cell function. They are thoroughly studied in several applications, such as drug delivery systems in medical applications and as controlled release systems, microencapsulating media, signal carriers, support matrices, and solubilizers in other applications. While medical applications have been extensively reviewed in recent literature, there is a need for easily accessible information on applications for liposomes beyond pharmacology and medicine. The Handbook of Nonmedical Applications of Liposomes fills this void. This unique new handbook series presents recent developments in the use of liposomes in many scientific disciplines, from studies on the origin of life, protein function, and vesicle shapes, to applications in cosmetics, diagnostics, ecology, bioreclamation, and the food industry. In these volumes many of the top experts contribute extensive reviews of their work.

Enzymes have interesting applications in our biological system and act as valuable biocatalysts. Their various functions allow enzymes to develop new drugs, detoxifications, and pharmaceutical chemistry. Research Advancements in Pharmaceutical, Nutritional, and Industrial Enzymology provides emerging research on biosynthesis, enzymatic treatments, and bioengineering of medicinal waste. While highlighting issues such as structural implications for drug development and food applications, this publication explores information on various applications of enzymes in pharmaceutical, nutritional, and industrial aspects. This book is a valuable resource for medical professionals, pharmacists, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, academics, and upper-level students seeking current information on developing scientific ideas for new drugs and other enzymatic advancements.

This book examines stealth liposomes from a multidisciplinary approach, which includes theoretical polymer physics, organic synthesis, colloid science, and biology. Discussions include theory, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, preclinical studies in model systems, and medical applications in humans.