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Visible Light-Responsive Dynamic Biomaterials: Going Deeper and Triggering More
Teresa L Rapp1, Cole A DeForest1,2,3,4
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 3781 Okanogan Lane NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|February 27, 2020
Summary
Photoresponsive materials can now be used in the body using visible and near-infrared light. This enables new applications for in vivo therapeutic delivery and cell fate regulation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Photochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Photoresponsive materials are established for in vitro applications like controlled drug delivery and directing cell behavior.
- In vivo applications require light sources that can penetrate deep tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in photoactive small molecules and proteins for in vivo applications.
- To highlight the potential of visible and near-infrared light for biological regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent reports on photoactive molecules and proteins.
- Analysis of light absorption properties (visible and near-infrared spectrum).
- Discussion of applications in multiplexed and in vivo regulation.
Main Results:
- Identification of photoactive small molecules and proteins suitable for tissue penetration.
- Demonstration of visible and near-infrared light's utility in biological contexts.
- Emerging applications in precise, in vivo control over biological processes.
Conclusions:
- Photoresponsive materials absorbing visible and near-infrared light are key for in vivo applications.
- These materials offer new possibilities for therapeutic delivery and cell fate manipulation within the body.
- The field is poised for significant advancements in in vivo biological regulation.
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