Semiconductor polymer nanoparticles enhance photosensitivity of eyeless animals

The latest designs of optoelectronic devices powered research on fundamental properties of light and how it interacts with matter. In the context of a living cell, this interaction is hampered by the complexity of the living matter, making technological advancement key aspect of this research. Nanotechnologies may provide unique tools to finely tune biological functions, through development of biocompatible light nanotransducers. Here we exploit the possibility to modulate cell function by photostimulation of polymer nanoparticles based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (NP-P3HT), a conjugated polymer widely used in photovoltaic application. By using a freshwater polyp as model organism, presenting photic behaviour despite the absence of proper eyes, we show that NP-P3HT internalized into animal tissue enhances animal photosensitivity. The possibility to artificially enhance light sensitivity in eyeless animals put forward the potential of this approach toward the control of physiological functions in living organisms.