Vesicles, defined as self-assembled structures composed of one or more concentric lipid bilayers enclosing an aqueous core, have become pivotal in modern biomedical science. Their applications range from natural entities like exosomes to synthetic constructs engineered for targeted drug delivery. Among these, liposomes—derived from the Greek words “lipo” (fat) and “soma” (body)—are the most widely recognized. These spherical vesicles, primarily composed of phospholipid bilayers resembling cell membranes, have been extensively utilized since their discovery by Alec D. Bangham in the 1960s. Their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, combined with biocompatibility and low immunogenicity, has made them ideal carriers in pharmaceutical formulations.
Over decades, conventional liposomes have undergone significant modifications to enhance their performance. PEGylation to prolong circulation time, ligand conjugation for active targeting, and stimuli-responsive designs for controlled release are just a few examples. However, these modifications have led to the emergence of a vast array of new vesicle types, each bearing unique names such as ethosomes, niosomes, transfersomes, and polymersomes. The proliferation of such nomenclature often suggests the creation of entirely novel delivery systems. Yet, this raises critical questions: Are these new names indicative of fundamentally different entities, or do they merely represent variations of modified liposomes?
This review examines the extensive use of the suffix “-some” in vesicle nomenclature, analyzing the criteria behind naming conventions. It explores how changes in lipid composition—such as the inclusion of ethanol in ethosomes or surfactants in transfersomes—have driven the development of new names. Additionally, structural innovations like multicompartmental vesosomes and capsosomes, as well as functional enhancements such as deformability and enhanced skin penetration, have further contributed to the diversification of vesicle terminology. Despite these advances, many systems retain core features of classical liposomes, including bilayer structure and phospholipid-based formation.
A rational classification framework is proposed based on three key parameters: composition, structural complexity, and functional performance. Vesicles are categorized according to whether they derive from classic phospholipids, non-lipid amphiphiles, or hybrid compositions.GLYAT Antibody medchemexpress Structural complexity includes unilamellar, multilamellar, and multicompartmental architectures.PAFAH1B3 Antibody Epigenetic Reader Domain Functional attributes such as elasticity, stability, and targeted delivery further inform classification.PMID:34704144 This systematic approach aims to reduce ambiguity in nomenclature and promote consistency across research and clinical applications.
Notably, several approved therapeutic agents—including Doxil®, AmBisome®, and Onpattro®—are classified as liposomes under regulatory guidelines, despite being developed through advanced engineering. This underscores the enduring relevance of the liposome paradigm, even when compositional or structural modifications occur. Conversely, some named vesicles, such as aquasomes and cubosomes, do not conform to the vesicular morphology but are still labeled with the “-some” suffix, highlighting inconsistencies in naming practices.
In conclusion, while the diversity of vesicle types reflects remarkable innovation in nanomedicine, the current nomenclature system lacks standardization. A unified classification based on compositional, structural, and functional criteria is essential to avoid confusion, ensure scientific clarity, and facilitate regulatory evaluation. By redefining the meaning behind the name, researchers can better communicate the true nature and potential of these powerful nanocarriers.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com
