Lipid bilayer of liposomal membranes

The lipid bilayer of liposomal membranes is a self-assembled double layer of amphiphilic phospholipids that serves as the structural foundation for liposomes, mimicking the fundamental architecture of biological cell membranes [Wikipedia; Helix Biotech, 2024]. While traditionally viewed as a passive drug delivery vehicle, the lipid bilayer is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic target in the field of Membrane Lipid Therapy (MLT), where drugs are designed to modulate its biophysical properties such as fluidity, thickness, and the organization of lipid rafts [NIH, 2017; NIH, 2020]. These alterations can indirectly regulate the activity of membrane-bound proteins and signaling pathways involved in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration [NIH, 2017]. Additionally, the liposomal bilayer is the direct target for stimuli-responsive delivery systems, where environmental triggers like pH or temperature induce structural changes to release encapsulated cargo [MDPI, 2024]. It also serves as a critical functional target for membrane-active agents, including polyene antifungals like Amphotericin B and lipopeptide antibiotics like Daptomycin, which exert their effects by physically disrupting the bilayer's integrity [Helix Biotech, 2024; NIH, 2020]. Furthermore, liposomes are explored in membrane replacement therapy to repair or fortify damaged cellular membranes in chronic inflammatory conditions [SysRevPharm, 2023].

Other names

Phospholipid bilayerLiposomal membraneBilayer membraneArtificial lipid bilayerBiomimetic lipid bilayer

The lipid bilayer of liposomal membranes acts as a target through several mechanisms: pore formation and physical disruption by membrane-active antibiotics and antifungals; modulation of biophysical properties like fluidity and microviscosity by lipophilic drugs; and stimuli-responsive phase transitions (triggered by pH, temperature, or light) that facilitate the controlled release of encapsulated therapeutic agents [NIH, 2022; MDPI, 2024; ResearchGate, 2025].