Advancements In Virosomes Classification, Characterization, And Pharmaceutical Applications

Abstract

Virosomes, virus-like particles composed of phospholipids and viral envelope proteins, have emerged as versatile carriers in modern pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. This review explores recent advancements in the classification, characterization, and pharmaceutical use of virosomes, emphasizing their unique ability to encapsulate and deliver a wide range of therapeutic agents including proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecule drugs. Virosomes inherit beneficial traits from liposomes, such as biocompatibility and biodegradability, while integrating viral membrane proteins that enhance cellular targeting and fusion. The study elaborates on different types of virosomes, their comparative advantages over conventional nanocarriers, and modern techniques for their physical, chemical, and biological characterization. Additionally, it highlights their applications in vaccine development, gene therapy, targeted drug delivery, and immunotherapy, along with case studies and regulatory challenges. The findings underscore virosomes' transformative potential in next-generation drug delivery systems and encourage further research into overcoming current limitations and improving scalability for clinical use.