REVIEW ARTICLE

Recent trends in liposomal drug efficiency of nanotechnology in photodynamic therapy for cancer    

Alexander Chota, Heidi Abrahamse, Blassan P. George

2026, 19(1): 5.https://doi.org/10.2738/foe.2026.0005

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a clinically approved, non-invasive cancer treatment that induces tumor cell death through the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon exposure to non-ionizing radiation. Its effectiveness relies on the synergistic action of a photosensitizer (PS), light, and molecular oxygen, with the therapeutic response shaped by the PS’s selective accumulation in tumor-associated organelles such as mitochondria and lysosomes. Despite its clinical utility, conventional PDT faces significant challenges, including limited specificity, poor bioavailability. To address these limitations, recent advances in nanotechnology, particularly liposomal drug delivery systems, have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing the efficiency and selectivity of PDT. Liposomes, with their amphiphilic nature and biocompatibility, enable controlled PS release, enhanced tumor targeting, and reduced systemic toxicity. Furthermore, functionalization with ligands and integration of imaging agents have led to the development of multifunctional liposomal nanocarriers capable of simultaneous therapy and diagnosis (theranostics). This review discusses the evolving trends in liposome-based nanomedicine for PDT, including the incorporation of green nanotechnology approaches that utilize biologically derived agents to synthesize eco-friendly nanoparticles with improved photochemical performance. The review also emphasizes the role of surface modification strategies to boost cancer cell specificity, highlighting recent developments aimed at improving the clinical translation of liposome-based PDT systems for more precise and effective cancer treatment.

研究背景

光动力疗法（PDT）作为临床批准的非侵入性癌症治疗手段，依赖光敏剂、光源和分子氧协同产生活性氧以诱导肿瘤细胞死亡。然而，传统PDT面临光敏剂特异性差、生物利用度低及肿瘤微环境缺氧等挑战，限制了其疗效。纳米技术的介入，尤其是脂质体递送系统，为解决上述瓶颈提供了新思路。

研究意义

本文系统梳理了脂质体纳米载体提升PDT疗效的最新进展，从理论层面揭示了脂质体结构、表面修饰与光敏剂亚细胞定位对活性氧生成的调控机制；从实践层面展示了脂质体在实现靶向递送、联合治疗及诊疗一体化中的巨大潜力，为开发高效低毒的癌症治疗策略提供了重要参考。

主要内容

• 光物理与光化学过程： PDT中光敏剂从基态跃迁至单线态、经系间窜越形成三线态，进而通过I类（电子转移产生活性氧自由基）和II型（能量转移产生单线态氧）途径杀伤肿瘤细胞的核心机制。

• 脂质体纳米颗粒作为光敏剂载体：脂质体具有磷脂双分子层结构、良好生物相容性及可功能化（如PEG化、配体偶联）等优势，能有效包载亲/疏水光敏剂，提升肿瘤蓄积与光毒性，文章列举了AgNPs-Lip@ZnPcS₄、Lipo@AuNPs@BBR等实例。

• 脂质基上转换纳米颗粒：上转换纳米颗粒（UCNPs）可将近红外光转换为高能紫外/可见光，经脂质包被后改善生物相容性，用于近红外触发的光动力/光热治疗及成像引导的诊疗一体化。

• 刺激响应性脂质体系统： pH响应型脂质体（如Eudragit® S100、SN-38脂质纳米粒）等策略可实现在肿瘤酸性微环境中可控释放光敏剂或化疗药，提高治疗特异性并减少脱靶毒性。

• 联合治疗策略：PDT与化疗/免疫治疗（如PTX-R837-IR820@TSL脂质体）以及PDT与声动力/光热治疗（如GGS-ICG、ICG&Cur@MoS₂）的协同方案可克服单一PDT的光穿透深度不足、缺氧等问题。

• 临床转化与已获批制剂：Visudyne®（脂质体苯并卟啉衍生物）是FDA批准的代表性脂质体PDT药物，主要在眼科应用；其他针对头颈癌、胰腺癌等的脂质体制剂正处于临床研究阶段，但仍面临肿瘤异质性和光穿透限制等挑战。

未来展望

尽管脂质体-PDT平台前景广阔，但仍面临体内稳定性、肿瘤深部穿透及个体化疗效差异等挑战。未来应聚焦于刺激响应型智能脂质体的设计、与免疫疗法的协同策略，并引入人工智能优化纳米粒合成与治疗方案，推动精准、安全、高效的临床转化。

（以上文字包含AI生成内容，仅供参考；请以原文为准。）