AQUASOMES: An Overview

Abstract

Aquasomes are one of the most recently developed delivery system for bioactive molecules like peptide, protein, hormones, antigens and genes to specific sites. Aquasomes are spherical in shape with 60300 nm particles size. Aquasomes are spherical particles composed of calcium phosphate or ceramic diamond covered with apolyhydroxyloligomeric film and act as nanoparticulate carrier system but instead of being simple nanoparticle these are three layered self-assembled structures, comprised of a solid phase nanocrystalline core coated with oligomeric film on which biochemically active molecules are adsorbed with or without modification. It is widely used for the preparation of implants. Aquasomes exploited as a RBC substitutes, vaccines for delivery of viral antigen and as targeted system for intracellular gene therapy. Enzyme activity and sensitivity towards molecular conformation made aquasome as a novel carrier for enzymes like   DNAses and pigment/dyes. This report reviews the principles of self assembly, the challenges of maintaining both the conformational integrity and biochemical activity of immobilized Surface  pairs. The delivery system has been successfully utilized for the delivery of insulin, haemoglobin, and enzymes like serratiopeptidase etc.