Conventional methods for preparing liposomes of various types (MLVs, LUVs, SUVs) : What, where, how and when

Liposomes are well-established vesicular systems widely investigated as drug carriers. The possibility of loading compounds of different nature and their peculiar biocompatible structure have made them appealing at both academic and industrial level. However, despite the huge number of publications in the literature, less than 50 liposomal formulations are currently available on the market. Indeed, while they may show enormous versatility in administration, depending on their composition, their potential may be hampered by the manufacturing process, which may be time-consuming, non-scalable and/or inefficient in drug loading. With that in mind, this chapter is meant to bring insights on the conventional methods for liposome production adopted by scientists so far, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Together with Chapter 22 (Microfluidic methods for liposomes formation) and Chapter 23 (Supercritical fluids and other novel methods for liposome formation), it will provide an overview of the current state of the art in terms of liposome production in small and large batches.