Innovative Directions in Photobiology – From Light-Driven Therapies to Photosynthetic Mechanisms

The Italian Association of Photobiology’s latest symposium showcased the breadth of current research on photo-induced processes, ranging from therapeutic applications in human health to the fundamental understanding of light-driven reactions in plants and microorganisms.

Inspired by these discussions, Frontiers in Photobiology is pleased to announce a new Research Topic aimed at uniting contributions across complementary areas of the discipline.

A primary focus is human photobiology and photomedicine, where light is increasingly recognised as a selective and powerful tool to combat diseases. Recent progress in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal strategies has highlighted the potential of nanotechnology and biomolecular engineering in overcoming the limitations of conventional treatments.

A second thematic axis arises from light reactions of photosynthesis, where mechanistic and structural insights into fundamental processes continue to expand the horizon of environmental and applied photobiology.

Contributions addressing interdisciplinary interfaces are especially encouraged, as they illustrate the versatility and transformative potential of light in biology. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

· Nanocarrier and hybrid platforms for targeted delivery, responsive photosensitizers, and phage- or protein–nanomaterial conjugates in oncology.
· Light-based antimicrobial strategies, including blue-light inactivation of pathogens, photoactivable biomaterials, and photodynamic inactivation approaches relevant for medicine and food safety.
· Mechanistic and structural studies of light-driven enzymatic catalysis, such as protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase, investigated through crystallography, cryo-EM, and molecular dynamics.
· Artificial photosynthesis and bioinspired energy conversion, leveraging insights from natural chlorophyll biosynthesis and light-harvesting complexes.
· Stability and modulation of photosynthetic systems, including chromatophores and nanoscale phototransducers in novel solvents and green chemistry contexts.
· Photopharmacology and controlled release strategies, exploiting photoswitchable ligands and spatiotemporal drug activation or release.
· Photoecological and environmental photobiology, exploring the broader ecological and sustainability implications of light-driven processes.

The proposed topics are illustrative rather than exhaustive, intended to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue, and we warmly invite the scientific community to contribute to this Research Topic in Frontiers in Photobiology. Submissions may include original research papers, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives that reflect the current state of the art and inspire future directions at the interface of photobiology, material sciences, and applied life sciences.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: photosynthesis, crystallography, cryo-EM, Nanocarrier, light reactions

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.