image: Photobiomodulation (PBM), which involves the application of low-intensity light to modulate cellular and biomolecular activities, has demonstrated substantial therapeutic potential in various clinical applications. In contrast, nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being utilized in the biomedical field as therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Despite the individual advantages of each approach, their combination is rarely reported, and the possibility of synergistic effects that may arise from their integration remains unexplored. This review provides a brief analysis of the limited literature available on this novel approach, followed by a specific focus on the mechanistic pathways underlying NP internalization and the potential impact of PBM. Specifically, we explore the cellular and molecular processes by which PBM can influence NP-cell interaction, particularly through alterations in endocytic pathways and intracellular trafficking. The review concludes by addressing the current challenges, identifying key research gaps, and outlining the future potential of combining PBM and NPs for advancing targeted nanotherapeutic strategies.
Credit: Shenzhen University
Researchers at Shenzhen University have provided a comprehensive perspective on the emerging integration of photobiomodulation (PBM) and nanomedicine, a promising therapeutic strategy that addresses a critical challenge in light-assisted nanotherapy: understanding how non-photoactive nanoparticles can contribute to biological regulation despite lacking intrinsic light-responsive properties. The review, “Integration of PBM and nanomedicine: Recent advances and possible mechanisms for non-photoactive nanoparticles,” highlights recent advances in PBM-assisted nanomedicine and proposes possible mechanisms underlying the enhanced therapeutic effects of non-photoactive nanoparticles.
PBM has attracted increasing attention as a non-invasive approach for regulating biological processes, including mitochondrial activity, oxidative stress responses, inflammation, tissue regeneration, and cellular signaling. However, most conventional light-triggered nanomedicine approaches rely on photoactive nanoparticles that directly absorb light and generate photothermal or photochemical effects. In contrast, the mechanisms through which non-photoactive nanoparticles interact with PBM remain poorly understood, creating challenges for the rational design of next-generation light-assisted nanotherapeutic systems.
This review, authored by Kinza Arshad, Iuliia Golovynska, Sergii Golovynskyi, Junle Qu, and Tymish Y. Ohulchanskyy from College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, systematically summarizes recent progress in combining PBM with nanomedicine and discusses potential biological mechanisms responsible for these interactions.
Unlike photoactive nanomaterials that directly convert light energy into heat or reactive species, non-photoactive nanoparticles may participate in PBM-mediated therapeutic responses through indirect biological pathways. The review discusses possible mechanisms involving regulation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial function, cellular metabolism, membrane interactions, immune responses, and intracellular signaling networks. These processes may enhance nanoparticle uptake, modify cellular microenvironments, and amplify therapeutic effects under PBM stimulation.
The authors further highlight applications of PBM-integrated nanomedicine in tissue repair, antimicrobial therapy, cancer treatment, neurological disorders, and regenerative medicine. By combining the biological regulatory capacity of PBM with the structural and functional advantages of nanomaterials, this emerging approach provides new opportunities for developing safer and more effective therapeutic platforms.
“Understanding the interaction between PBM and non-photoactive nanoparticles is essential for expanding the scope of light-assisted nanomedicine beyond traditional photo responsive materials,” the authors emphasize. “Clarifying these mechanisms will enable more rational nanoparticle design and improve the translation of PBM-based nanotherapeutic strategies toward clinical applications.”
The review also identifies several remaining challenges, including incomplete understanding of molecular mechanisms, optimization of irradiation parameters, nanoparticle biosafety evaluation, and standardization of experimental conditions. Addressing these issues will require interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers in photonics, nanotechnology, materials science, and biomedical engineering.
This work provides a framework for understanding PBM–nanoparticle interactions and offers new insights into the development of future light-assisted nanomedicine platforms based on both photoactive and non-photoactive nanomaterials.
Method of Research
Literature review
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Integration of photobiomodulation and nanomedicine: Recent advances and possible mechanisms for non-photoactive nanoparticles
COI Statement
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest associated with this work.