Intelligent micro- and nano-robots for next-generation photobiomodulation and adaptive photomedicine

Photobiomodulation (PBM) devices have emerged as powerful non-invasive tools that utilize specific light wavelengths to modulate cellular functions, enhance tissue repair, and restore physiological homeostasis. To the best of our knowledge, most current PBM research and device development focus primarily on light emitting diode (LED) or micro-LED systems, emphasizing light delivery rather than intelligent and dynamic control at the nanoscale. Here, we propose the potential of micro- and nano-robots as transformative platforms for the next generation of photomedicine and PBM. In this review, we discuss their advanced fabrication strategies, including photolithography, self-assembly, and biohybrid integration, enabling precise motion control and targeted navigation within biological environments. We highlight how these micro/nano-robots could overcome critical physiological barriers, such as the blood–brain barrier (BBB), through active propulsion and selective permeability mechanisms. The integration of photonic systems into micro-and nanodevices enable these robots to achieve autonomous decision-making, adaptive illumination, and spatiotemporal control of light–cell interactions. This convergence represents a paradigm shift with significant potential to revolutionize the future of photomedicine, offering precise, personalized, and intelligent therapeutic interventions at cellular and subcellular levels.