5-2.1.3.3. Liposome Action

Figure5-2.1.3: Schematic representation of liposome action in gene transfer. (Source: Pleyer U, Dannowski H. 2002. Delivery of genes via liposomes to corneal endothelial cells. Drug News Perspect, 15(5): 283)

In addition, liposomes can be directed to cells using monoclonal antibodies which recognize and bind to thespecific surface antigens of cells along with the liposomes. Liposomes can be prevented from destruction by the cell’s lysosomes by pre- treating the cells with chemicals such as chloroquine, cytochalasin B, colchicine etc. Liposome mediated transfer into the nucleusis still not completely understood.

Advantages

• Economic
• Efficient delivery of nucleic acids to cells in a culture dish.
• Delivery of the nucleic acids with minimal toxicity.
• Protection of nucleic acids from degradation.
• Measurable changes due to transfected nucleic acids in sequential processes.
• Easy to use, requirement of minimal steps and adaptable to high-throughput systems.

Disadvantages

• It is not applicable to all cell types.
• It fails for the transfection of some cell lines with lipids.