Spectral Tuning of Azobenzene Photoswitches for Biological Applications

Abstract

Longer switching wavelengths and good photochemical yields and stabilities of the cis isomers in reducing aqueous environments are achieved by introducing 2,2'-aminoalkyl substituents into 4,4'-diamido-substituted azobenzenes. The products are thus suitable for photocontrol of biomolecular structures in intracellular environments, such as switching between two peptide configurations (see picture).