Nanostructured molecular films and nanoparticles with photoactivable functionalities

In the massively explored arena of the modern material science the creation of two- and three dimensional nanostructured molecular systems able to perform specific functions under light inputs is emerging as one of the most exciting research goals in the perspective of intelligent nanocomposite devices. In our laboratories we have been working oil the design and fabrication of photoresponsive molecular thin films and nanoparticles over the last few years and some of the most representative examples will be illustrated in this contribution. Possible applications of these light-con trolled nanosystems with particular emphasis to their impact in biological and biomedical research will be also described.