Provided herein are methods and compositions for the delivery of bioactive compounds to a cell, tissue, or physiological site. The compositions comprise delivery system complexes comprising liposomes encapsulating a biodegradable ionic precipitate having incorporated therein a bioactive compound and delivery system complexes comprising a biodegradable ionic precipitate ionically bound to a surrounding lipid bilayer, wherein the biodegradable ionic precipitate comprises a bioactive compound. Also provided herein are methods for the treatment of a disease or an unwanted condition in a subject, wherein the methods comprise administering the delivery system complexes comprising bioactive compounds that have therapeutic activity against the disease or unwanted condition to the subject.