title: Prospects for near-infrared technology in remotely triggered drug delivery.
abstract: Remotely triggered drug delivery devices have recently been realized as injectable or implantable formulations that enable the patient or physician to control the timing and dose of drug release over an extended period. Such devices could increase patient compliance, maximize therapeutic effectiveness and minimize side effects. They can be triggered by near-infrared (NIR) light, which can harmlessly and painlessly pass through tissue at controlled doses and exposure times. We discuss the use of NIR-triggered devices and materials, with examples. Safety issues and future prospects are also addressed.
authors.affiliation: Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care Medicine Laboratory for Biomaterials and Drug Delivery , 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 , USA daniel.kohane@childrens.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: Brian P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Timko
authors.forename: Daniel S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Kohane
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004343:Drug Implants; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D058998:Remote Sensing Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004343:Drug Implants; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
keywords: drug delivery; gold; laser; light-emitting diode; nanomaterials; near infrared; two-photon; upconverting nanoparticles