Azobenzene photocontrol of peptides and proteins

Azobenzene photocontrol of peptides and proteins.

The last few years have witnessed significant advances in the use of light as a stimulus to control biomolecular interactions. Great efforts have been devoted to the development of genetically encoded optobiological and small photochromic switches. Newly discovered small molecules now allow researchers to build molecular systems that are sensitive to a wider range of wavelengths of light than e...

Photocontrol of DNA duplex formation by using azobenzene-bearing oligonucleotides.

The duplex-forming activities of oligonucleotides can be photomodulated by incorporation of an azobenzene unit. Upon isomerizing the trans-azobenzene to the cis form by irradiation with UV light, the T(m) value of the duplex (with the complementary DNA) is lowered so that the duplex is dissociated. The duplex is formed again when the cis-azobenzene is converted to the trans-azobenzene by irradi...

Photocontrol of the translocation of molecules, peptides, and quantum dots through cell and lipid membranes doped with azobenzene copolymers.

Permeabilization of lipid membranes is a major challenge for the development of biocides and for improving the delivery of DNA, anticancer agents, and small proteins within the cell cytosol. Effective membrane permeabilization can be achieved by chemical techniques that often involve an intramembrane assembly of permeabilizing agents such as peptides, amphiphilic molecules, or polymers. Alterna...

Natural peptides and proteins: potent tyrosinase inhibitors

Background and objectives: Tyrosinase is a copper containing oxidase which is crucial for controlling the production of melanin in creatures such as bacteria, fungi, plants and mammals. It is involved in the first two steps of melanin biosynthesis and leads to pigmentation and different types of cancer such as melanoma. Also, it is responsible for browning of fruits and vegetab...

Photocontrol of the adsorption behavior of phenol for an azobenzene-montmorillonite intercalation compound.