Photopharmacology and photoresponsive drug delivery
Yuwei Liu1,2,3, Tianyi Wang1,2,3, Weiping Wang1,2,3
1Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. wangwp@hku.hk.
Abstract:
Light serves as an excellent external stimulus due to its high spatial and temporal resolution. The use of light to regulate biological processes has evolved into a vibrant field over the past decade. Employing light on chemical substances such as bioactive molecules and drug delivery systems offers a promising therapeutic approach to achieve precise control over biological processes. In this review, we provide an overview of the advancements in optochemical technologies for controlling bioactive molecules (photopharmacology) and drug delivery systems (photoresponsive drug delivery), with an emphasis on their relationship and biomedical applications. Gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms and emerging research will facilitate the development of optochemically controlled bioactive molecules and photoresponsive drug delivery systems, further enhancing light technologies in biomedical applications.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics: Overview
Pharmacodynamics: Overview and Principles
Most drugs' effects result from their interactions with drug receptors or targets within the body. These interactions trigger specific responses at the cellular or systemic level. Drug receptors can be found on the surfaces of cells or...
Drug Delivery: Overview
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Drug Administration and Therapy Phases: Overview
The pharmaceutical phase focuses on leveraging the physicochemical properties of the drug to design and manufacture an effective product. Variants include orally administered tablets or capsules, topical creams or ointments, and parenteral-delivery solutions or emulsions.
The pharmacokinetic phase...
Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light


