liposome

a spherical droplet of microscopic size comprising fatty membranes around an aqueous vesicle. Liposomes are created in the laboratory by adding an aqueous solution to a phospholipid gel (phospholipids are compounds containing FATTY ACIDS and a phosphate group). Liposomes bear some resemblance to living cell components and are studied on this basis. Additionally, they can be introduced into living cells and are used to transport toxic drugs to a specific treatment site. The liposomes retain the drug while in the blood and on passing through the chosen organ the membrane is melted by selectively heating the organ and the drug is released. This technique is used for certain forms of cancer.