Using Azobenzene‐Embedded Self‐Assembled Monolayers To Photochemically Control Cell Adhesion Reversibly

Abstract

A celling point: A mixed self-assembled monolayer comprising two types of alkanethiols--one containing an azobenzene unit terminated with a peptide, the other containing a hexa(ethylene glycol) group that resists nonspecific cell adhesion--enables cell adhesion to be modulated photochemically. The reversible conversion of the azobenzene moiety between E and Z configurations allows the surface to either support or resist cell adhesion.