Advanced Photonic Nanomaterials for Light-Mediated Skin Regeneration

Light has been extensively investigated for therapeutic applications for decades. Recently, light-mediated skin regeneration based on photochemical tissue bonding and photobiomodulation has attracted attention in the cosmetics field. However, the efficient delivery of light into skin tissues remains a challenge due to poor penetration into deep tissues and strong scattering within the skin layers. Here, we present advanced photonic nanomaterials designed for effective light-mediated skin regeneration. First, we introduce near-infrared-emissive polymersomes based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), which stimulate cell migration and collagen production via photobiomodulation. Next, we report a stretchable patch embedded with afterglow luminescent nanoparticles for both photobiomodulation and photochemical tissue bonding. These optical technologies have demonstrated great potential from in vitro studies to clinical settings, promising active and versatile applications in the cosmetic field.