Liposomes formed from photo-cleavable phospholipids: in situ formation and photo-induced enhancement in permeability

Photocleavable liposomes were formed in situ through the coupling of an o-nitrobenzyl-containing azide tail precursor and an alkyne-functionalized lysolipid by the copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. Inclusion of the photolabile o-nitrobenzyl-structure enables control over the permeability and morphology of the liposomes. Photolysis of the o-nitrobenzyl group changes the molecular structure of the photolabile phospholipids, inducing phase transitions and permeability increases in the bilayer membrane, ultimately disrupting the liposome entity.