title: A light-actuated nanovalve derived from a channel protein.
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.
authors.affiliation: BiOMaDe Technology Foundation, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Armagan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Koçer
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Walko
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Meijberg
authors.forename: Ben L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Feringa
mesh_terms: D019943:Amino Acid Substitution; D001665:Binding Sites; D003545:Cysteine / Q000737:chemistry; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D005452:Fluoresceins / Q000737:chemistry; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D015640:Ion Channel Gating; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000737:chemistry*; D008027:Light; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008081:Liposomes; D049329:Nanostructures; D036103:Nanotechnology; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D010782:Photolysis; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D005452:Fluoresceins; D007473:Ion Channels; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008081:Liposomes; C086596:MscL protein, E coli; D003545:Cysteine; C007740:fluorexon