Dissolved metal ions and mineral-liposome hybrid systems: Underlying interactions, synthesis, and characterization

Liposomes are versatile lipid-based vesicles with interesting physicochemical properties, making them excellent candidates for interdisciplinary applications in the medicinal, biological, and environmental sciences. The synthesis of mineral-liposome hybrid systems lends normally inert vesicles with the catalytic, magnetic, electrical, and optical properties of the integrated mineral species. Such applications require an understanding of the physicochemical interactions between organic molecules and inorganic crystal structures. This review provides an overview on these interactions and details on synthesis and characterization methods for these systems. [Display omitted] •Liposomes properties are modified when interacting with dissolved ions and minerals.•Lipid-mineral interactions are broad and lipid and mineral type-specific.•Minerals may enhance liposomes with interesting physico-chemical properties.•Different protocols fit the synthesis of each type of mineral-liposome hybrid system.•Mineral-liposome systems characterization covers a wide range of methods.