Photoisomerizable biomaterials

Lion-Dagan, M., Katz, E., and Willnei L Amperometric transduction of optical signals recorded by organized monolayers of photoisomerizable biomaterials on Au-eleetrodes. /. Am. Cfiew. Soc. 1994,116, 7913-7914. 

Three general methodologies for photoregulating such activities of biomaterials as catalytic, binding, or recognition functions have been suggested (Scheme 2). One method involves the tethering of photoisomerizable units to a protein (Scheme 2(A)). In one photoisomer state, state A, the tertiary structure of the protein is... 

Scheme2 Methods forthe reversible photoactivation/deacti-vation of biomaterials by (A) tethering of photoisomerizable groups onto the biomaterial, (B) immobilization ofthe biomaterial in a photoisomerizable matrix, (C) the application of a photoisomerizable inhibitor (or photoisomerizable cofactor).

Photoswitchable Biomaterial Functions through Tethering of Photoisomerizable Units to Proteins... 

Chemical modification of the biomaterial with photoisomerizable units represents one approach to controlling intermolecular affinity interactions (Scheme 2(A)). In one photoisomer state of the biomaterial, its tertiary, biologically active structure is retained and the formation of the intermolecular complex is facilitated. In the complementary photoisomer state, the bioactive binding site is distorted and the formation of the intermolecular recognition complex is switched off. The bind-... 

Figure 4.7 Three methods for switching the activity of a biomaterial (a) tethering of photoisomerizable units to a protein (b) integrating the biomaterial within a photosensitive environment and (c) use of photoisomerizable inhibitors.

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