Spatiotemporal control in biomedicine: photoswitchable peptides and foldamers

Photopharmacology integrates light-based technology with pharmacology to achieve precise control over biological processes, offering non-invasive activation and spatiotemporal regulation of biomolecular activity. Within this field, photoswitchable peptides and foldamers provide a powerful approach in precision medicine, enabling reversible conformational changes that toggle between active and inactive states. This light-driven modulation enhances targeted drug delivery, molecular sensing, and the development of photoresponsive biomaterials and optical devices. These dynamic systems hold immense potential for creating ‘smart’ therapeutics and biomaterials that adapt to environmental cues, revolutionizing biomedical applications. However, challenges persist in optimizing their stability, specificity and responsiveness in complex biological environments. Advances in light-responsive technologies and nanotechnology continue to push the boundaries of their applications, driving innovation in precision medicine and materials science. As research progresses, these systems are poised to transform drug delivery, diagnostics and next-generation biomaterials.