Table 1.

Functionalization of photosensitive nanocarriers.

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages	Interactions/Example	References
Physical adsorption	The most simple. Less aggressive. Reagent-free.	Less stable. Less reproducible.	Van der Waals. Hydrogen bonding. Hydrophobic interactions. Electrostatic interactions.	[56,77]
Entrapment	3D-conformational structure of ligands and drug biomolecules remain almost unaltered, keeping the biological activity.	Poor retention. Diffusional barrier. Limited molecules transport & longer response time.	Gel (polyacrylamide) Silicone, Jelly Chitosan hydrogel	[80]
Cross-linking	Simple Additional stability by intermolecular linking.	Alter the 3D conformation of biomolecules and active center of enzymes. Induce restriction in molecules diffusion.	Glutaraldehyde, Hexamethylene diisocyanate,	[56,77,83]
Biocomposite	Improved properties.	Stability of bioreceptors in solvents and matrix	Embedded active principle in a complex matrix	[56]
Covalent linking	Better stability (pH, ionic strength and temperature). Longer lifetime.	Longer protocols. Lower bioactivity.	Through functional groups (NH2, COOH, OH, SH, Ph-OH).	[86,93]