Artificially enhancing light sensitivity in living cells allows control of neuronal paths or vital functions avoiding the wiring associated with the use of stimulation electrodes. Many possible strategies can be adopted for reaching this goal, including the direct photoexcitation of biological matter, the genetic modification of cells or the use of opto-bio interfaces. In this review we describe different light actuators based on both inorganic and organic semiconductors, from planar abiotic/biotic interfaces to nanoparticles, that allow transduction of a light signal into a signal which in turn affects the biological activity of the hosting system. In particular, we will focus on the application of thiophene-based materials which, thanks to their unique chemical–physical properties, geometrical adaptability, great biocompatibility and stability, have allowed the development of a new generation of fully organic light actuators for in vivo applications.

中文翻译：

---

人造光致动器在生物系统中的演变：从平面到纳米结构的界面

通过人工增强活细胞中的光敏度，可以控制神经元路径或重要功能，从而避免了与使用刺激电极相关的布线。为了达到这个目标，可以采用许多可能的策略，包括直接光激发生物物质，细胞遗传修饰或使用光生物接口。在这篇综述中，我们描述了基于无机和有机半导体的不同光致动器，从平面非生物/生物界面到纳米颗粒，它们允许将光信号转换为信号，进而影响宿主系统的生物活性。特别是，我们将专注于基于噻吩的材料的应用，这些材料由于其独特的化学-物理性质，几何适应性，出色的生物相容性和稳定性，体内应用。