1 research outputs found
Biomimetic Photo-Switches Softening Model Lipid Membranes
We report the synthesis and characterization of a novel
photo-switch
based on biomimetic cyclocurcumin analogous and interacting with the
lipid bilayer, which can be used in the framework of oxygen-independent
light-induced therapy. More specifically, by using molecular dynamics
simulations and free energy techniques, we show that the inclusion
of hydrophobic substituents is needed to allow insertion in the lipid
membrane. After having confirmed experimentally that the substituents
do not preclude the efficient photoisomerization, we show through
UVāvis and dynamic light scattering measurements together with
compression isotherms that the chromophore is internalized in both
lipid vesicles and monomolecular film, respectively, inducing their
fluidification. The irradiation of the chromophore-loaded lipid aggregates
modifies their properties due to the different organization of the
two diastereoisomers, E and Z. In
particular, a competition between a fast structural reorganization
and a slower expulsion of the chromophore after isomerization can
be observed in the kinetic profiles recorded during E to Z photoisomerization. This report paves the
way for future investigations in the optimization of biomimetic photoswitches
potentially useful in modern light-induced therapeutic strategies