Can light-activated drug release solve the issue of off-target toxicity in drugs? This review explores the concepts of triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion-based photolysis, a promising chemobiological method for controlling drug activity with light. Photopharmacology offers the potential to reduce off-target toxicity, a major challenge in drug treatment, by enabling precise optical control over drug release. The paper focuses on the use of photolytic reactions sensitive to red or near-infrared light excitation, which allows for better tissue penetration. The authors present recent in vivo applications of light-induced drug delivery using photoactivatable nanoparticles, highlighting the advancements and possibilities in the field. Ultimately, this review emphasizes the potential of photolysis to revolutionize drug delivery, enabling light-induced drug release with greater precision and reduced side effects. The strategies detailed in this review will present the concepts of triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion‐based photolysis and their recent in vivo applications for light-induced drug delivery using photoactivatable nanoparticles.
This review aligns with Advanced Healthcare Materials' focus on innovative materials and technologies for healthcare applications. By focusing on triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion-based photolysis, it demonstrates an advanced method for light-induced drug delivery. The review is relevant to the journal's scope of showcasing cutting-edge research that could translate into improved therapeutic interventions.