Light-stimulated destabilization of PEG-liposomes

The crosslinking polymerization of bis-substituted lipids in the presence of unreactive lipids causes the formation of lipid domains. This strategy is employed to destabilize PEG-liposomes. The crosslinking polymerization of bis-SorbPC with UV light in liposomes also containing cholesterol, DOPC or DSPC, and PEG-PE leads to controlled leakage of the encapsulated fluorescent dye. Because of the potentially damaging effect of UV light the polymerization of bis-SorbPC with visible light is more desirable. The successful polymerization and leakage of bis-SorbPC in PEG-liposomes with a photosensitizer and visible light.