Liposomes and Skin Tolerance

Abstract

The authors evaluate different situations where there is an increase or a decrease of complexed liposome tolerance on the skin and in particular of the substances they convey. Since liposomes are made of physiological membrane components, namely phospholipids, they are considered as atoxic microspherules, that are non immunogenic and histocompatible when applied to the skin. When produced in the laboratory (synthetic liposomes) the purity and stability of the lipids making up the liposomes must be kept under strict control. Any undesired side effect should not be attributed to the phospholipids as liposomes, but to the substances (both medical and non) that they convey; indeed side effects result from the interaction and activity of these active principles. On the other hand, the drugs or active principles delivered to the skin by the liposomes have a longer and more concentrated effect and they enter into the systemic circulation in very small amounts, and consequently local and general tolerance is very much enhanced.