Light mediated drug delivery systems: a review

Abstract

Achieving a novel drug delivery system needs site-specificity along with dosage control. Many physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological signals are used for developing these systems, out of which light has been used predominantly in the past decade. Light responsive drug delivery systems have tremendous potential, and their exploration is crucial in developing a precise and controlled delivery system. Spatio-temporal and intensity control of light allows better manipulation of drug delivery vehicles than mechanical, chemical, and biological signals. The use of ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) light has helped in upgrading therapeutic functionalities, while the use of up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) has delivered an extension into theranostic tools. Biomaterials incorporated with photosensitizers can readily respond to changes in light and are vital in achieving clinical success via translational research. Further, the inclusion of biological macromolecules for the transportation of drugs, genes, and proteins has seen a broader application of light-controlled systems. The key objective of this review paper is to summarise the evolution of light-activated targeted drug delivery systems and the importance of biomaterials in developing one.

Keywords:

• Targeted drug delivery
• light responsive
• ultraviolet light
• near-infrared light
• up-conversion nanoparticles
• biomaterials
• polymers
• peptide sequences
• chromophores

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by UMass Dartmouth College of Engineering Seed Funding.