We have already reported the use of commercial Azobenzene molecules for the control of biological membranes. In the current work we have synthesized Azobenzene molecules that have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic opposed ends. Our working hypothesis is that the increased affinity of such molecules with amphiphilic molecules of the biological membrane will increase the impact of photo induced isomerization on the ionic exchange processes across the membrane. However, our preliminary results show that these molecules adopt relatively stable Trans and Cis isomers. The thermal isomerization of newly created (by using UV light) Cis molecules into their Trans form is almost inexistant. Thus, the process of isomerization is saturated quickly. This is the reason why we use a second (visible) light source to initiate the back photo isomerization and to maintain the continuous Trans-Cis and Cis-Trans isomerization process. The corresponding spectral investigations in water and mobility media as well as bacterial systems will be reported.
We shall describe our work on the development of an optical control method based on the destabilization of biological membranes. As a destabilization agent, we explore the use of an azobenzene molecule that has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic ends. Our working hypothesis is based on the photo induced microscopic volume changes that can be obtained as a result of photo isomerization of azobenzene molecules inside the membrane. The current results, challenges and possible avenues will be presented and discussed.
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