Leveraging machine learning to streamline the development of liposomal drug delivery systems

Drug delivery systems efficiently and safely administer therapeutic agents to specific body sites. Liposomes, spherical vesicles made of phospholipid bilayers, have become a powerful tool in this field, especially with the rise of microfluidic manufacturing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its efficiency, microfluidic liposomal production poses challenges, often requiring laborious, optimization on a case-by-case basis. This is due to a lack of comprehensive understanding and robust methodologies, compounded by limited data on microfluidic production with varying lipids. Artificial intelligence offers promise in predicting lipid behaviour during microfluidic production, with the still unexploited potential of streamlining development. Herein we employ machine learning to predict critical quality attributes and process parameters for microfluidic-based liposome production. Validated models predict liposome formation, size, and production parameters, significantly advancing our understanding of lipid behaviour. Extensive model analysis enhanced interpretability and investigated underlying mechanisms, supporting the transition to microfluidic production. Unlocking the potential of machine learning in drug development can accelerate pharmaceutical innovation, making drug delivery systems more adaptable and accessible. • Analyzing a dataset of over 1300 microfluidically produced liposomes, forming a robust base for machine learning. • XGBoost (XGB) models reliably predict liposome formation and size during microfluidic production across a broad design space. • Explainable AI explored lipid behaviour and effects of process parameters on microfluidic liposome production. • Inverse prediction methods enabled predicting process parameters to produce specific formulations with desired sizes. • Extensive wet lab validation confirmed the models' reliability and generalizability across a diverse lipid space.