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What are the disadvantages of PEGylated liposomes?
Posted October 2, 2024
BioconjugationCellular ProcessesCellular Structures and Organelleslipid
Answer
PEGylated liposomes are liposomes that are modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG). These modified liposomes offer several advantages, but they also have a few drawbacks including:  
  • The PEG coating can interfere with the uptake of liposomes by target cells, reducing their effectiveness.
  • PEG can hinder the escape of pH-sensitive liposomes (PSL) that are carried by the genes and protein drugs, leading to the degradation and failure of these drugs in the lysosome.  
  • Repeated administration of PEGylated liposomes can trigger accelerated blood clearance, a phenomenon where they are cleared from the blood more quickly, reducing their effectiveness over time. Known as the ‘PEG dilemma’, this phenomenon poses a challenge in the development of PEGylated liposome-based therapies.
Additional resources
PEGylated liposomes enhance the effect of cytotoxic drug: A review Cell Structures and Organelles Cell Meter™ Intracellular Colorimetric Lipid Peroxidation (MDA) Assay Kit

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