Recent Advances in pH-Responsive Liposomes: Lessons Learnt and New Directions in Nanomedicine Development

The development of pH-responsive liposomes represents a promising strategy for targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity and side effects. These innovative nanocarriers are typically synthesized via the thin film hydration method and can be further modified to exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior. pH-responsive liposomes are biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of encapsulating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, increasing their versatility in drug delivery. In this mini-review, we explore the mechanism of action of pH-responsive liposomes, analyzing the factors that influence both their intracellular and extracellular behavior. Various formulations are examined, and their characteristics are compared to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, we discuss the potential applications in anticancer therapy, in gene therapy, and in bacterial infections as vaccines and diagnostic agents.