What Are Liposomes? A Complete Guide

Liposomes are microscopic spherical vesicles composed of one or more phospholipid bilayers surrounding an aqueous core. First described by British haematologist Alec Bangham in 1965, these structures have revolutionised drug delivery in the pharmaceutical industry and are now transforming the nutraceutical sector.

The Structure of a Liposome

At their core, liposomes are remarkably elegant structures. The phospholipid molecules that form their walls are amphiphilic — they have a water-loving (hydrophilic) head and a fat-loving (lipophilic) tail. When placed in water, these molecules spontaneously arrange themselves into a spherical bilayer, creating a tiny protective bubble.

This structure is not random — it mirrors the architecture of every cell membrane in the human body. This biomimicry is precisely what makes liposomes such effective delivery vehicles.

Why Size Matters

The size of a liposome is critical to its function. At Vita Code Lab, our LipoDry® liposomes are precisely engineered to be between 100 and 200 nanometres in diameter. This size range is optimal because:

• Large enough to comply with EU regulatory frameworks
• Small enough for efficient absorption through the intestinal wall
• Similar in size to the body’s own chylomicrons (natural fat transport particles)

From Laboratory to Your Cells

The journey of a liposomal nutrient through your body follows a remarkable path. After ingestion, the phospholipid shell protects its cargo from the destructive environment of the stomach. The liposome then passes through the intestinal wall and enters the lymphatic system — bypassing first-pass liver metabolism and delivering nutrients directly to the bloodstream.

This is fundamentally different from standard supplements, where nutrients must survive stomach acid, enzymatic breakdown, and liver processing before reaching target cells. The result is dramatically higher bioavailability — significantly higher levels compared to conventional tablets, according to published research.

The LipoDry® Advantage

While liquid liposomal formulations exist, they face stability challenges. The LipoDry® process addresses this by converting the liquid liposomal suspension into a stable powder through freeze-drying (lyophilisation) — the pharmaceutical gold standard.

This process preserves the molecular integrity of both the protective lipid shell and the nutrient cargo, resulting in a shelf-stable, high-potency capsule that delivers consistent results.