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The overarching goal of our research is to manipulate the light-bio-matter interaction to obtain control over the functioning of living systems. Light can control cell activity, with high space and time resolution and a virtually infinite number of configurations, free from wiring constrains. We develop and study non-genetic cell opto-stimulation techniques based on artificial light actuators that establish functional abiotic-biotic interfaces able to transduce a light signal into a biological stimulus. This talk reports on the state of our research regarding organic bio interfaces for inducing light sensitivity in cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Light actuators comes in different shapes: planar patches, nanoparticle, intra-membrane probes. Their coupling mechanism is still far from being understood and attempts to shed light will be introduced. The research aims at a new technological platform for application in life enhancing technologies or new cyborg technologies. One of the most appealing application of this emerging technology is rescue vision in blind people.
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