Abstract: This invention provides a method to prepare liposome-encapsulated bioactive agents, such as nucleic acids, comprising complexation of the bioactive agents to reverse micelles prior to forming liposomes, as well as methods of using the liposomes so formed and formulations to deliver nucleic acids to cells.

Abstract: A liposome including a fusogenic liposome, a linking moiety and a targeting moiety. The fusogenic liposome is a lipid bilayer encapsulating contents. The linking moiety is electrostatically bound to the lipid bilayer, and the targeting moiety is covalently bound to the linking moiety. The liposome may also include a stabilizing moiety interposed between the linking and targeting moieties, and covalently bound to both. Alternatively, the stabilizing and targeting moieties may be covalently bound to separate linking moieties, the linking moieties being electrostatically bound to the lipid bilayer.

Abstract: A method for preparing liposomes containing at least one nucleic acid encapsulated therein comprising the following steps: (A) mixing a gel or a liquid containing gel particles with aqueous medium Z1 to directly form the liposomes containing the at least one nucleic acid encapsulated therein; (B)(i) mixing a gel or a liquid containing gel particles with aqueous medium Z1 to form a curd or curdy substance; and (ii) mixing the curd or curdy substance with aqueous medium Z2 to directly form the liposomes containing the at least one nucleic acid encapsulated therein; or (C)(i) cooling a gel or a liquid containing gel particles to form a waxy substance; and (ii) mixing the waxy substance with aqueous medium Z1 to directly form the liposomes containing the at least one nucleic acid encapsulated therein; wherein said gel or liquid containing gel particles comprises at least one liposome-forming lipid, at least one fusogenic lipid, a water-miscible organic solvent and the at least one nucleic acid; wherein an amount