Dear Colleagues,

Liposomes, spherical vesicles whose lipid bilayer membranes are artificial analogs of cell membranes, can encapsulate either lipophilic or hydrophilic drugs and have therefore been widely studied as drug vectors. First prepared in the mid-1960s by Bangham, they have evolved extensively and ultimately managed to successfully enter the pharmaceutical market. The improved efficacy of liposomal drug delivery has been achieved primarily by molecular engineering of the external liposomal bilayer by introducing protective groups (e.g., polyethylene glycol chains), which prolong their circulation in the biological milieu; targeting ligands (e.g., antibodies, for binding complementary cell receptors); or molecular transporting moieties (e.g., penetrating peptides), which enhance their transport through cell membranes. Suitably designed positively charged liposomes have also been used to complex with DNA/RNA for gene delivery applications. In addition, molecular imaging modalities, including MRI, CT, fluorescence, and PET, have been integrated in them to follow their intracellular fate in vitro and in vivo. In parallel, factors affecting the encapsulated drug release profiles such as pH, ionic strength, and temperature, have been studied, leading to stimuli-responsive liposomal systems which release their payload under the influence of environmental changes or external fields.

Liposomal research will undoubtedly continue and expand into many additional areas. This Special Issue aims to contribute to the dissemination of data concerning novel liposomal systems with new targeting modalities and their potential therapeutic/imaging applications.

Dr. Dimitris Tsiourvas and Dr. Zili Sideratou
Guest Editors

Manuscripts should be submitted via our online editorial system at https://www.biolifesas.org/journalx_brha/authorLogOn.action by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to start your submission. Manuscripts can be submitted now or up until the deadline. All papers will go through peer-review process. Accepted papers will be published in the journal (as soon as accepted) and meanwhile listed together on the special issue website.

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