Speakers
Description
Various synthetic stimuli-responsive microscopic systems with impressive control in relative molecular motion have been created [1] to imitate naturally occurring movement of biomolecules. Our group developed a purely supramolecular system where a molecular ‘traveller’ (TCPP) moved along gemini bis-imidazolium gelator fibers over several microns when irradiated with visible light in the presence of photoswitch (Azo) [2]. Real-time imaging of the motion in the solvated state was recorded using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy.
In this work, we present a modified system with different azobenzene derivative (AzoF4) incorporated as a photoswitch. Because of higher cis:trans ratio, AzoF4 could change the extent of observed TCPP movement. Moreover, cis-isomer population can be easily replenished using visible light, allowing repeated energy release.
Acknowledgments
We thank the MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 for financing projects PID2021-123873NB-I00 and PID-2023-146658NB-C32 as well as the "Severo Ochoa" program for Centre of Excellence CEX2023-001263-S. We also thank the Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR), Grant 2021SGR01085. DD thanks the predoctoral program AGAUR-FI ajuts (2024 FI-1 00769) Joan Oró.
REFERENCES
1. Baroncini, M; Silvi, S; Credi, A. “Photo- and Redox-Driven Artificial Molecular Motors,” Chem. Rev. 2020, 120, 200.
2. Samperi, M.; Bdiri, B.; Sleet, C. D.; Markus, R.; Mallia, A. R.; Pérez-García, L.; Amabilino, D. B. “Light-controlled micron-scale molecular motion,” Nat. Chem. 2021, 13, 1200.
