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The rapid progress in the fields of biomedical and biological photonic sciences has given rise to a substantial demand for biological photonic structures capable of interacting with living systems. These structures are expected to facilitate precise manipulation of incident light at small scales, enabling the detection of sensitive biological signals and the achievement of highly accurate cell structural imaging. The concept of designing biological photonic devices using innate biomaterials, particularly natural entities such as cells, viruses, and organs, has gained prominence. These innovative devices offer the capability of multimodal light manipulation at specific sites, enhancing biological compatibility while minimizing disruptions to the delicate biological microenvironment. This article delves into recent advancements within the realm of biological photonic devices, with a dedicated focus on their applications in bio-imaging and -diagnosis. The central theme revolves around devices derived from biological entities possessing the requisite optical properties, biocompatibility, biofunctionality, and the ability to induce biological effects. These devices encompass a diverse range of optical functionalities, including light generation, transportation, and modulation, all of which play pivotal roles in bio-detection and imaging, thereby contributing notably to the advancement of these fields. The potential future directions and opportunities for the enhancement of biological photonic devices were outlined.
Chuang et al. (Fri,) studied this question.