Biomimetic molecular switches

Resumen

Science has always looked for inspiration in the highly effective function of biological systems. At the same time, the aspiration to mimic their functioning has been a driving force for the advancement of chemistry and material science. Light represents a usual stimulus found in very different organisms, triggering and driving diverse biological processes. In higher organisms, the process of visual perception is extremely important. But also other processes such as photosynthesis in plants and photomovement responses imply the interaction between light and biological media to provide complex responses. The basic concept behind such different behaviors is centered on photoresponsible proteins capable of regulating the biological activity by light. Thus, the use of light to control the activity of biomolecules, as well as to mimic their function, is an attractive strategy for both studying and controlling interactions in complex living systems. Photoactive biomolecules can be introduced into a cell and manipulated noninvasively using light.This allows for a high degree of spatial and temporal control. Among the different types of molecules that can be used, photoswitches are a class of chemical compounds that undergo reversible photochemical behavior so that many rounds of active/inactive states may be produced. In addition to this, it is possible to find a wide range of molecules that experience a photoswitchable behavior. In this contribution, we will describe the synthesis and photochemical properties of different families of photoswitches whose structure is based on that of natural chromophores. Also, the properties that make them attractive for the photocontrol of biomolecules will be outlined. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.