Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Molecules

Lipid molecules may (self-)associate to form “hollow” nanoparticles, so-called liposomes. Liposomes are used to encapsulate functional ingredients, such as DNA fragments, drugs, food additives, etcetera, where they are shielded from external attacks. The liposome’s surface is decorated with specic ligands (usually antibodies) that, after administration into an organism, bind to receptors at the target site. There, the liposomes are triggered to fall apart and release their cargo. Such an addressable delivery system thus prevents premature degradation of the functional ingredient in the gastrointestinal tract and dispersion throughout the organism therewith suppressing dissipation of the ingredient and undesired side effects.