A light-actuated nanovalve derived from a channel protein.
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.
Koçer
Armagan
A
BiOMaDe Technology Foundation, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands.
Walko
Martin
M
Meijberg
Wim
W
Feringa
Ben L
BL
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
D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D005452:Fluoresceins; D007473:Ion Channels; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008081:Liposomes; C086596:MscL protein, E coli; D003545:Cysteine; C007740:fluorexon