Potential of polysaccharide anchored liposomes in drug delivery, targetingand immunization

Purpose: Recently the emphasis has been laid upon the carbohydrate mediated liposomal interactions with the target cells. Among the various carbohydra te ligands, such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, viral proteins, polysacchar ides, lipo-polysaccharides and other oligosaccharides, this review deals wi th the polysaccharide anchored liposomal system for their potential in drug delivery, targeting and immunization. Over the years, various strategies h ave been developed which include coating of the liposomal surface with natu ral or hydrophobized polysaccharides, namely mannan, pullulan, amylopectin, dextran etc., or their palmitoyl or cholesteroyl derivatives. The polysacc haride(s) coat tends vesicular constructs physicochemically stable in bio-e nvironments and site-specific. The aim of improving the physical and bioche mical stability of liposomes and the ability to target liposomes to specifi c organs and cells, were the major attributes of the polysaccharide anchore d liposomes. In this review the authors attempted to overview various appli cations of polysaccharide bearing liposomes, including lung therapeutics, t argeted chemotherapy, cellular targeting, cellular or mucosal immunity and macrophage activation. Future prospects of the delivery module are also dis cussed. The review in general explores the concepts, options and opportunit ies of polysaccharide anchored liposomes with newer perspectives.