Main distinctions between tocosome and nano-liposome as drug delivery systems: A scientific and technical point of view

Some of the currently available encapsulation systems, including liposomes, nanoliposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles, have already been approved to be used in the pharmaceutical, food, textile, and cosmetic markets. These systems have proven to be useful for the encapsulation, controlled release, targeting drugs, vaccines (including Covid-۱۹ vaccines), and other bioactive compounds in vitro and in vivo. The most recently invented encapsulation system, known as "tocosome", is formulated employing two derivatives of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). Although tocosomes are somehow similar to lipid vesicles, they possess exceptional characteristics mainly due to the presence of unique ingredients in their structures. There have been ambiguities in the scientific literature regarding the differences between tocosomes, liposomes, and nanoliposomes. The present article aims to provide brief scientific explanations in a clear way to highlight differences between the mentioned drug carriers.