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Azobenzene‐Based Photoswitches Facilitating Reversible Regulation of Kinesin and Myosin Motor Systems for Nanotechnological Applications
Author(s) -
Amrutha Ammathnadu S.,
Sunil Kumar K. R.,
Tamaoki Nobuyuki
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
chemphotochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.13
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 2367-0932
DOI - 10.1002/cptc.201900037
Subject(s) - azobenzene , kinesin , photoisomerization , motor protein , nanotechnology , molecular motor , myosin , computer science , neuroscience , chemistry , biophysics , materials science , molecule , biology , microtubule , microbiology and biotechnology , isomerization , biochemistry , organic chemistry , catalysis
The past decade has witnessed several significant efforts made towards implementing the biomolecular functions of motor proteins for nanotechnological applications. However, employing motor protein systems in artificial environments demands for a precise and flexible spatiotemporal control mechanism. Light being an ideal external stimulus offers major advantages, allowing better spatial and temporal resolution compared to other diffusion‐based approaches. Robust photochromic properties of azobenzene make it a prime candidate that could be incorporated into biologically active molecules to realize two‐way regulation of motor protein function. In this Minireview, we summarize the design strategies of azobenzene‐based photoswitches for reversibly regulating kinesin‐ and myosin‐driven shuttle movements and briefly discuss photoisomerization‐induced modulation in motor protein activity.