Chemistry: A light-actuated nanovalve derived from a channel protein

Armaǧan Koçer, Martin Walko, Wim Meijberg, Ben L. Feringa*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

454 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Toward the realization of nanoscale device control, we report a molecular valve embedded in a membrane that can be opened by illumination with long-wavelength ultraviolet (366 nanometers) light and then resealed by visible irradiation. The valve consists of a channel protein, the mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) from Escherichia coli, modified by attachment of synthetic compounds that undergo light-induced charge separation to reversibly open and close a 3-nanometer pore. The system is compatible with a classical encapsulation system, the liposome, and external photochemical control over transport through the channel is achieved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)755-758
JournalScience
Volume309
Issue number5735
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes

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