Publication date: 8th September 2022
Bioelectronic medicine, which targets the regeneration of cells and biological matter by delivering local electrical cues, has shown unprecedented potential for developing new therapies. Bioelectronic light actuators transduce light signals into electrical cues, which can then affect the function of living systems. This approach is used to control different types of tissue in a wireless fashion, both in vitro and in vivo. In general, light actuation strategies include the direct excitation of tissue with artificial light sources, the genetic modification of cells to promote photosensitivity, and the use of light sensitive materials and/or devices to mediate photon/cell interaction. These concepts are opening exciting future possibilities in biomedical science, spanning artificial vision to wireless stimulation of the nervous system, as well as tissue regeneration via phototherapy.
Within this multi-disciplinary symposium, we aim to bridge the gap between biology, engineering, and materials science to promote a holistic overview on light actuating concepts and biomedical platforms. We aim to bring together researchers with diverse expertise across various fields, and from around the world, to share their knowledge on light sensitive interfaces that are used to stimulate living systems. We hope that by opening the communication between established light actuating concepts, with less mature but promising approaches, will in turn pave the way for major advancements of light actuating systems for therapeutic and diagnostics.