What is the Difference Between Liposome and Micelle?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Liposomes and micelles are both vesicular structures composed of amphipathic molecules, which have significant pharmaceutical applications, particularly in targeted drug delivery. However, there are key differences between the two:
- Structure: Liposomes are composed of a lipid bilayer separating an aqueous internal compartment from the bulk aqueous phase. Micelles, on the other hand, are closed lipid monolayers with a fatty acid core and polar surface, or polar core with fatty acids on the surface (inverted micelle).
- Formation: Liposomes are formed mainly by phospholipid molecules such as cholesterol. Micelles are usually formed by emulsifiers spontaneously self-assembling.
- Size: Micelles are typically very small (2-20 nm) clusters. Liposomes can vary in size, but they have a limited capacity to encapsulate oils compared to emulsions.
- Encapsulation: Liposomes can trap drugs and other compounds within their aqueous core, making them more bioavailable and protecting sensitive molecules from the digestive process. Micelles, while playing a role in the emulsification and absorption of certain nutrients, do not have the same encapsulation capacity as liposomes.
In summary, liposomes and micelles are both amphipathic vesicular structures with pharmaceutical applications, but they differ in structure, formation, size, and encapsulation capabilities.
Comparative Table: Liposome vs Micelle
Here is a table comparing the differences between liposomes and micelles:
| Feature | Liposomes | Micelles |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Composed of a bilayer of amphipathic molecules, forming a vesicle that encloses an aqueous compartment | Composed of a spherical lipid monolayer with a nonpolar core |
| Constituents | Mainly phospholipids, such as cholesterol | Single-chain amphiphiles |
| Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Regions | Hydrophilic heads face the aqueous environment, hydrophobic tails face the interior of the vesicle | Nonpolar core is hydrophobic, while the polar heads face the aqueous environment |
| Formation | Formed by hydrating dry lipid molecules and agitating them physically | Formed by dispersing single-chain amphiphiles in an aqueous solution |
| Drug Delivery | Mainly designed to deliver water-soluble molecules in the inner core, with some capacity for solubilizing hydrophobic drugs in the hydrophobic middle layers | Help in the absorption of lipid and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) |
| Applications | Used in treatments for viral infections and tumor cell killing | Primarily involved in detergent-like functions and emulsifying properties |
Both liposomes and micelles are amphipathic molecules, but they have distinct structures and functions. Liposomes are composed of a bilayer of amphipathic molecules and enclose an aqueous compartment, while micelles are spherical lipid monolayers with a nonpolar core. Liposomes are primarily used for drug delivery, including water-soluble molecules and some hydrophobic drugs, while micelles help in the absorption of lipid and fat-soluble vitamins and have detergent-like and emulsifying properties.
- Micelles vs Chylomicrons
- Liposomes vs Niosomes
- Phytosomes vs Liposomes
- Micelles vs Colloidal Particles
- Microcapsule vs Microsphere
- Microemulsion vs Nanoemulsion
- Lipophilic vs Hydrophilic Emulsifier
- Lecithin vs Sphingomyelin
- Coacervates vs Microspheres
- Phospholipids vs Sphingolipids
- Glycerophospholipids vs Sphingolipids
- Chylomicrons vs VLDL
- Amphotericin B vs Liposomal Amphotericin B
- Endosome vs Lysosome
- Lipophilic vs Hydrophilic
- Liposomal Glutathione vs Reduced Glutathione
- Sphingomyelin vs Phosphatidylcholine
- Lectin vs Lecithin
- Glycolipids vs Phospholipids