Recent Advances of Light-Mediated Theranostics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Photomedicine

Background:

• Precision theranostics are crucial for treating diseases, but drug selectivity remains a challenge.
• Light-mediated strategies offer precise control over therapeutic agents and imaging probes.
• Conventional UV/visible light approaches have limitations in tissue penetration and cause phototoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in light-triggered theranostic strategies for biomedical applications.
• To highlight the potential of near-infrared (NIR) light for deep-tissue diagnosis and therapy.
• To discuss emerging light-assisted techniques and future perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on light-mediated theranostics.
• Focus on near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive nanoplatforms.
• Discussion of photoacoustic and Cerenkov radiation techniques.

Main Results:

• NIR light offers superior tissue penetration and reduced phototoxicity compared to shorter wavelengths.
• NIR-responsive nanoplatforms show promise for multifunctional deep-tissue diagnosis and therapy.
• Various light-triggered theranostic strategies have demonstrated significant advances in recent biomedical applications.

Conclusions:

• NIR light-mediated theranostics, particularly using nanoplatforms, represent a promising approach for deep-seated diseases.
• Challenges in synthesis, solubility, and accumulation of NIR agents need to be addressed.
• Further research into light-assisted techniques like photoacoustic and Cerenkov radiation holds significant potential.