Research focuses on phosphatidyl serine incorporation in nanocarriers.

Phosphatidylserine (PS), a naturally occurring phospholipid, has garnered growing interest in nanotechnology and pharmaceutical research due to its unique structural and functional properties. Recent studies have increasingly focused on the incorporation of PS into nanocarriers, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and polymeric nanospheres, aiming to improve formulation stability, targeting capability, and biocompatibility.

Structural Compatibility and Bilayer Formation

Phosphatidylserine readily integrates into the lipid bilayers of nanocarriers, making it an ideal component for liposomal systems. Its amphiphilic nature and negative charge contribute to membrane fluidity and surface properties, allowing for controlled vesicle morphology and improved encapsulation efficiency. In hybrid systems, such as polymer-lipid nanoparticles, PS aids in the formation of stable interfaces between lipid and polymeric domains.

Surface Functionalization and Targeting

The inclusion of PS on the surface of nanocarriers can influence biological recognition and cellular interaction. In research settings, PS-modified nanocarriers have shown enhanced cellular uptake via endocytosis pathways, particularly in macrophage-rich tissues. The negative charge of PS also affects protein adsorption patterns, potentially leading to favorable biodistribution and cellular affinity, depending on the application.

Stability and Formulation Advantages

From a formulation perspective, PS contributes to enhanced colloidal stability, especially when used in combination with cholesterol or PEGylated lipids. Its presence in nanosystems can help prevent aggregation, reduce premature drug leakage, and increase shelf life. Studies have explored varying PS ratios to optimize nanoparticle size, surface charge (zeta potential), and polydispersity index (PDI) for specific delivery goals.

Research Applications and Trends

Recent research has expanded the application of PS-containing nanocarriers in areas such as vaccine delivery, brain-targeted systems, and immune modulation studies. For example, PS has been investigated in the design of stealth liposomes for prolonged circulation, as well as in targeted nanocarriers for tumor microenvironment interaction. Additionally, PS-containing vesicles are being examined for their role in mimicking apoptotic cell membranes in biomimetic drug delivery strategies.

Conclusion

The incorporation of phosphatidylserine into nanocarriers represents a promising direction for enhancing nanomedicine platforms. Its role in improving physicochemical properties, enabling surface functionality, and influencing biological behavior makes it a valuable tool in the development of advanced delivery systems. Continued research is expected to refine the design of PS-based nanocarriers and explore their full potential across various biomedical applications.