Photocontrol of the Translocation of Molecules, Peptides, and Quantum Dots through Cell and Lipid Membranes Doped with Azobenzene Copolymers

Abstract

Light opens: Photocontrolled transmembrane passage of soluble dyes and delivery of small peptides into mammalian cells has been achieved using azobenzene-modified polymers (AMPs) as permeabilizing agents. Irradiation with UV and visible light triggers polarity switches upon cis–trans isomerization of the azobenzene moieties. Photoresponsive permeability and pore opening promoted by trans-AMPs, but not cis-AMPs, in supported lipid bilayers are observed. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.