Mechanoluminescent Light Sources Based on Nanostructured Systems for Biomedical Applications: A Review

Mechanoluminescent materials refer to substances that emit light in response to mechanical stimuli. While these materials exhibit unique properties ideal for stress-based wearable device, structure diagnosis, and anticounterfeiting applications, their utilization in the biomedical field has been relatively underexplored. This comprehensive review aims to provide an extensive overview of the latest advancements in mechanoluminescent light sources, including trap-controlled mechanoluminescence and chemiluminescence/bioluminescence-based mechanoluminescence. We delve into their working principles, synthesis methods, and intricate details of their biomedical applications. Additionally, we highlight existing challenges in mechanoluminescent materials, such as synthesis strategy, mechanism elucidation, and functionalization, subsequently proposing potential solutions essential for advancing their biomedical applications.