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Updated: Aug 2, 2026

An Integrated System to Remotely Trigger Intracellular Signal Transduction by Upconversion Nanoparticle-mediated Kinase Photoactivation
Published on: August 30, 2017
Prospects for near-infrared technology in remotely triggered drug delivery
Brian P Timko1, Daniel S Kohane
1Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care Medicine Laboratory for Biomaterials and Drug Delivery , 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 , USA daniel.kohane@childrens.harvard.edu.
Abstract:
Remotely triggered drug delivery devices have recently been realized as injectable or implantable formulations that enable the patient or physician to control the timing and dose of drug release over an extended period. Such devices could increase patient compliance, maximize therapeutic effectiveness and minimize side effects. They can be triggered by near-infrared (NIR) light, which can harmlessly and painlessly pass through tissue at controlled doses and exposure times. We discuss the use of NIR-triggered devices and materials, with examples. Safety issues and future prospects are also addressed.
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