Volume 63, Issue 6 e202314468
Review

Molecularly generated light and its biomedical applications

Chongzhao Ran

Corresponding Author

Chongzhao Ran

Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129 USA

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Kanyi Pu

Kanyi Pu

School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 637459 Singapore, Singapore

Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 308232 Singapore, Singapore

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First published: 13 November 2023
Citations: 20

Graphical Abstract

Is it possible that light can be formulated as capsules, injection solutions, and packed into polymers? Yes, if the light is generated from molecules. The concept of “molecular light” has the potential to significantly expand our perspectives on the potential applications of light.

Abstract

Molecularly generated light, referred to here as “molecular light”, mainly includes bioluminescence, chemiluminescence, and Cerenkov luminescence. Molecular light possesses unique dual features of being both a molecule and a source of light. Its molecular nature enables it to be delivered as molecules to regions deep within the body, overcoming the limitations of natural sunlight and physically generated light sources like lasers and LEDs. Simultaneously, its light properties make it valuable for applications such as imaging, photodynamic therapy, photo-oxidative therapy, and photobiomodulation. In this review article, we provide an updated overview of the diverse applications of molecular light and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of molecular light across various domains. Lastly, we present forward-looking perspectives on the potential of molecular light in the realms of molecular imaging, photobiological mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and photobiomodulation. While some of these perspectives may be considered bold and contentious, our intent is to inspire further innovations in the field of molecular light applications.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

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