pH-Sensitive liposomes-principle and application in cancer therapy

The purpose of this review is to provide an insight into the different aspects of pH‐sensitive liposomes. The review consists of 6 parts: the first introduces different types of medications made in liposomal drug delivery to overcome several drawbacks; the second elaborates the development of pH‐sensitive liposomes; the third explains diverse mechanisms associated with the endocytosis and the cytosolic delivery of the drugs through pH‐sensitive liposomes; the fourth describes the role and importance of pH‐sensitive lipid dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) and research carried on it; the fifth explains successful strategies used so far using the mechanism of pH sensitivity for fusogenic activity; the final part is a compilation of research that has played a significant role in emphasizing the success of pH‐sensitive liposomes as an efficient drug delivery system in the treatment of malignant tumours. pH‐Sensitive liposomes have been extensively studied in recent years as an amicable alternative to conventional liposomes in effectively targeting and accumulating anti‐cancer drugs in tumours. This research suggests that pH‐sensitive liposomes are more efficient in delivering anti‐cancer drugs than conventional and long‐circulating liposomes due to their fusogenic property. Research focused on the clinical and therapeutic side of pH‐sensitive liposomes would enable their commercial utility in cancer treatment.