Work

Multi-wavelength photo-activation of transmembrane chloride transport in distinct vesicle populations using photocaged indolocarbazole anionophores

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: -nitrobenzyl photocaged derivatives fully inhibit anion binding and transport until irradiation cleaves the protecting group to restore activity. Introduction of a BODIPY photocage afforded a unique dual-photocaged transporter, in which sequential irradiation at 530 nm and 365 nm triggers stepwise photocage cleavage to regenerate the active anionophore. This strategy also allows for selective activation of anion transport in different vesicles in a mixed population containing different mono-photocaged transporters. These results establish photocaged indolocarbazoles as a versatile platform for photo-responsive ionophores and enable unprecedented multi-wavelength sequential control of transmembrane transport in separate vesicle populations. Beyond fundamental insights into the design of stimuli-responsive transporters, this approach provides new opportunities for spatiotemporal regulation of ion transport in artificial and living cellular systems.

Source: Chemical Science

DOI: 10.1039/d6sc04824b

Authors: Kelly R. Britton, Matthew J. Langton

Institution: University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Supramolecular Chemistry and Complexes

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Leverhulme Trust, Royal Society, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Awards: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Inorganic Chemistry for Future Manufacturing (OxICFM), G3232679520