What are liposomes primarily used for?

Liposomes are primarily recognized for their role in drug delivery within biological systems. This is due to their unique structure, which consists of a phospholipid bilayer that can encapsulate various substances, including hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. This ability to encapsulate drugs allows for targeted delivery, improving the efficacy of the therapeutic agents while minimizing side effects.

When liposomes are introduced into the body, they can fuse with cell membranes, allowing for the release of their cargo directly into the intended cells. This targeted approach enhances the bioavailability of the drugs, making liposomes an important tool in pharmaceutical technology, particularly for treating diseases such as cancer where precision in drug delivery can enhance therapeutic outcomes.

In contrast, while storing energy, conducting electricity, and separating chemical components are important processes in their respective fields, they do not reflect the principal use of liposomes in nanotechnology. Liposomes are not primarily designed for energy storage or electrical conductivity, nor are they commonly utilized for the separation of chemical components. Their key application lies in their ability to facilitate effective and controlled drug delivery.