A Photodependent Switch of Liposome Stability and Permeability

• Published in: Langmuir 2013-02, Vol.29 (5), p.1490-1497
• Main Authors: Randles, Edward G, Bergethon, Peter R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Lipid Bilayers - chemistry; Liposomes - chemistry; Membranes; Models, Molecular; Permeability; Photochemical Processes
• ISSN: 0743-7463; 1520-5827
• DOI: 10.1021/la303526k

Liposomes offer a method to encapsulate high concentrations of a drug, protecting the therapeutic upon in vivo administration. With an appropriate mechanism to manipulate lipid bilayer permeability, liposomes have the potential to deliver encapsulated drugs in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. In this investigation, the photosensitizer aluminum phthalocyanine disulfonic acid (AlPcS2) is identified as a modulator of the colloidal properties of liposomes. AlPcS2 adsorption to liposomes stabilizes lipid bilayers and reduces permeability. Spectroscopic data suggests that AlPcS2 interacts with the phospholipid to increase lipid bilayer stability. In the presence of AlPcS2, the liposome permeability was five times lower than that without the photosensitizer. This results in more stable liposome systems that contain higher doses of the encapsulated material for longer. Then, upon irradiation of the AlPcS2–liposome system with tissue penetrating red light, lipid bilayer permeability increases 10-fold over the baseline. The release is shown to be a singlet oxygen mediated process, due to the type II photodynamic action of AlPcS2. It is concluded that this activity provides a novel photorelease mechanism for liposome mediated drug delivery.