Recent advances in the use of photochromic dyes for photocontrol in biomedicine

Light can play important roles in controlling biochemical processes. Owing to their high spatiotemporal resolution and non-invasive nature, light can be utilized as smart triggers to mediate the biological activities of substances. In this review, we summarize important photochromic dye based photoswitchable substances that have been developed in recent years. Additionally, the basic principles involved in the design of the photochromic biomaterials, and insights into how to expand applications of these light activated agents and the key challenges that need to be considered are discussed.