Glossary of terms

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), similar to liposomes, are small vesicles where the main structural component is fat-derived lipids. In contrast to liposomes, LNPs constitute a category of nanoscale capsules, and are synthetically designed to carry substances such as drugs or genetic material.

Liposomes are small spherical particles. Like the cell membrane, they consist of a dual layer of organic molecules called lipids (fats). Depending on the types of lipids and the number of layers in the structure, the characteristics of liposomes can be changed. Because liposomes resemble the structure of cell membranes, they can easily enter cells. Scientists use them as carriers, or vectors, to transport cargo such therapeutic genes into cells