Recent Development of Photoresponsive Liposomes Based on Organic Photosensitizers, Au Nanoparticles, and Azobenzene Derivatives for Nanomedicine

Photoresponsive liposomes are controlled-release liposomes modified by photoresponsive materials. They use light with high spatial and temporal precision as a means of regulation. After excitation by light at appropriate wavelengths, photoresponsive liposomes can influence the permeability of phospholipid bilayers through the photothermal or photoisomerization effect of photoresponsive materials. The photothermal effect causes the phospholipid layer to become dispersed by local heating, and the photoisomerization effect modulates the release behavior by establishing permeation channels on the phospholipid layer through changes in the dipole moments of azobenzene derivatives. Currently, photoresponsive liposomes are widely used as a cutting-edge strategy for nanomedicine. In this paper, three types of photoresponsive liposomes based on organic photosensitizers, Au nanoparticles, and azobenzene derivatives with abundant research reports were introduced based on the differences in the photoresponse principles and forms of different photoresponsive materials. This review aims to reflect the differences in the structures, properties, photoresponsive materials, and principles of action of different photoresponsive liposomes. Moreover, this work outlines the current status of their application in the field of nanomedicine.