Friction-Mediated Dynamic Disordering of Phospholipid Membrane by Mechanical Motions of Photoresponsive Molecular Glue: Activation of Ion Permeation

Abstract

A water-soluble photoresponsive molecular glue, Azo-¹⁸Glue, consisting of a photochromic azobenzene core and two adhesive dendritic wedges with a total of 18 peripheral guanidinium ion (Gu⁺) pendants tightly adheres to the surface of a phospholipid membrane, even in buffer, via a multivalent salt-bridge formation with phosphate anions. A photomechanical motion of adhering Azo-¹⁸Glue possibly gives rise to dynamic structural disordering of the phospholipid membrane and activates transmembrane ion permeation. In sharp contrast, no activation of ion permeation results when poorly adhesive Azo-⁶Glue carrying only six Gu⁺ pendants is used in place of Azo-¹⁸Glue