Synthesis of Novel Molecular Photoswitch Based on Azobenzene For Photo-Control of Biological Systems

Azobenzene can photoisomerize with UV/Vis light and has been known for almost 100 years but only recently has been used to photocontrol of molecular structure and function. By incorporating azo compounds in biological systems we can have spatial and temporal control over cellular functions and conformation including peptides, proteins in vitro and ion channels and receptors in vivo. This is a powerful tool to study living systems. Herein we report synthesis, properties and photo responses of a novel azo dye: 1-(3-hydroxyphenylazo)-2-naphthol.By attaching this photoswitch to biological systems, the light sensitive molecule is made and this would achieve precise spatiotemporal control over it