Academy

History of Liposomal Technology

Liposomes were first described in the 1960s by British hematologist Alec Bangham when he observed phospholipids forming bilayer structures in water. Early research focused on drug delivery applications, demonstrating that liposomes could encapsulate various molecules, protect them from degradation, and deliver them to target cells. Over decades, formulations evolved from basic single-layer vesicles to complex multilamellar systems optimized for stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery.

Liposomal Delivery Systems

Liposomal delivery systems consist of microscopic vesicles made from phospholipid bilayers, similar to those in human cell membranes. These vesicles can encapsulate both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds, shielding them from harsh digestive conditions and enzymatic breakdown. When administered orally, liposomes traverse the stomach and release their cargo in the small intestine, where they fuse with enterocyte membranes or undergo endocytosis, enabling enhanced cellular uptake.

Key Components and Formulation

Essential components include phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and active ingredients. Phosphatidylcholine—often sourced from sunflower lecithin—forms the structural bilayer, while cholesterol adds membrane rigidity and stability. The active compound, such as NMN, is loaded into the aqueous core or intercalated within bilayers. Formulation parameters like lipid-to-cargo ratio, vesicle size, and surface charge are tuned to optimize stability, gastrointestinal passage, and cellular delivery efficiency.

Mechanisms of Enhanced Bioavailability

• Acid Protection: Lipid bilayers shield encapsulated compounds from stomach acid and digestive enzymes.
• Membrane Fusion: Liposomes merge with cell membranes, releasing contents directly into the cytoplasm.
• Endocytosis: Cells internalize liposomes via vesicular uptake pathways, delivering cargo intracellularly.
• Controlled Release: Adjusting lipid composition can prolong release, sustaining active compound availability.

Applications in Longevity Science

In longevity research, maintaining NAD+ levels is critical, as NAD+ supports mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation—processes that decline with age. Liposomal NMN formulations aim to overcome absorption limitations of traditional supplements, offering more reliable NAD+ precursors uptake. Improved NAD+ replenishment may bolster cellular energy metabolism, reduce age-related functional decline, and support long-term healthspan.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Liposomal supplements require precise manufacturing under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. Quality control includes verifying phospholipid purity, vesicle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, and active ingredient stability. Third-party testing for contaminants, potency, and certificate of analysis ensures consistency. FDA-inspected facilities use validated processes to produce reproducible, high-quality liposomal products.

Choosing Effective Liposomal Supplements

1. Phospholipid Source: Prefer sunflower lecithin for allergen-free formulations.
2. Vesicle Characterization: Look for documented particle size and encapsulation efficiency.
3. Clean-Label Profile: Avoid artificial colors, preservatives, and unnecessary additives.
4. Third-Party Verification: Ensure certificates of analysis confirm ingredient identity and purity.

By understanding liposomal delivery, longevity enthusiasts can select supplements that maximize cellular uptake of critical biomolecules, potentially amplifying the benefits of targeted nutritional support in anti-aging strategies.