Potential of polysaccharide anchored liposomes in drug delivery, targeting and immunization.

PURPOSE: Recently the emphasis has been laid upon the carbohydrate mediated liposomal interactions with the target cells. Among the various carbohydrate ligands, such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, viral proteins, polysaccharides, lipo-polysaccharides and other oligosaccharides, this review deals with the polysaccharide anchored liposomal system for their potential in drug delivery, targeting and immunization. Over the years, various strategies have been developed which include coating of the liposomal surface with natural or hydrophobized polysaccharides, namely mannan, pullulan, amylopectin, dextran etc., or their palmitoyl or cholesteroyl derivatives. The polysaccharide(s) coat tends vesicular constructs physicochemically stable in bio-environments and site-specific. The aim of improving the physical and biochemical stability of liposomes and the ability to target liposomes to specific organs and cells, were the major attributes of the polysaccharide anchored liposomes. In this review the authors attempted to overview various applications of polysaccharide bearing liposomes, including lung therapeutics, targeted chemotherapy, cellular targeting, cellular or mucosal immunity and macrophage activation. Future prospects of the delivery module are also discussed. The review in general explores the concepts, options and opportunities of polysaccharide anchored liposomes with newer perspectives.