Light-Controlled Peptide Self-Assembly: From Physicochemical Principles to Emerging Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Light-controlled peptide self-assembly provides a versatile platform for creating functional materials with high spatiotemporal precision. This review summarizes the physicochemical principles that enable optical control over self-assembly processes across thermodynamic and nonequilibrium regimes. Under thermodynamic control, light reshapes free-energy landscapes by modulating intermolecular interactions through photochemical reactions and photoisomerizations. To achieve nonequilibrium control, light can serve as a kinetic selector, directing assembly pathways to produce kinetically trapped states. It can also function as an energy driver, maintaining dissipative assemblies. Light-mediated systems chemistry strategies (e.g., reaction-diffusion, reaction networks, out-of-equilibrium conditions) further generate life-like properties, such as macroscopic patterning, metabolic self-replication, and adaptive evolution. Translational opportunities are highlighted in emerging biomedical applications, including precision cancer therapeutics, engineered cell culture, and programmable microbial regulation. Finally, key challenges and future directions are outlined in the development of light-coordinated intelligent peptide materials.

Keywords

biomedical applications / light / nonequilibrium / peptide / self-assembly / thermodynamic control

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