Light-Activated Content Release from Liposomes

Abstract

Successful integration of diagnostic and therapeutic actions at the level of individual cells requires new materials that combine biological compatibility with functional versatility. This review focuses on the development of liposome-based functional materials, where payload release is activated by light. Methods of sensitizing liposomes to light have progressed from the use of organic molecular moieties to the use of metallic plasmon resonant structures. This development has facilitated application of near infrared light for activation, which is preferred for its deep penetration and low phototoxicity in biological tissues. Presented mechanisms of light-activated liposomal content release enable precise in vitro manipulation of minute amounts of reagents, but their use in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic applications will require demonstration of safety and efficacy.

Liposomes as nanomedical devices

“…[173][174][175][176][177][178] Cu for single-photon emission computed tomography and positron-emission tomography imaging. These liposomes were applied in vivo to a squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck tumor xenograft in nude rats after intratumoral injection.…”

Nanoliposome encapsulated anesthetics for local anesthesia application

“…The list of bioactive compounds that can be incorporated into nanoliposomes is very large, ranging from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and nutraceuticals. Due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, nanosize, nanoliposomes [81][82][83][84] have shown potential applications in a wide range of fields, including nanotherapy (such as cancer therapy, gene delivery, and diagnosis), food technology and agriculture [85]. Another benefit of nanoliposomes is its cellspecific targeting (tropism), which is a requirement to achieve specific drug concentrations for ideal therapeutic efficacy in the target site while reducing unpleasant effects on healthy cells and tissues.…”

Photo activation of HPPH encapsulated in “Pocket” liposomes triggers multiple drug release and tumor cell killing in mouse breast cancer xenografts

“…Light-triggered drug release mechanisms from nanoparticles present a promising opportunity to this end. 11,12,[43][44] It may be noted that photosensitive drugs encapsulated in the nanoparticles can be broadly classified into two categories. First, improvement of the solubility and bioavailability of the PDT drugs, [45][46][47] and second, utilization PDT drugs for nanoparticle destabilization to achieve on demand release of entrapped cargo (such as a second drug).…”