Photoisomerizing molecules in biological membranes

We are happy to share our recent review in Nature Reviews Chemistry! In this article, we explore how light-responsive, photoisomerizing molecular tools, from photoswitches to molecular motors, can be integrated into lipid bilayers to manipulate membrane structure and function. These systems can emulate natural membrane dynamics, enable light-controlled remodeling, and open new avenues for spatiotemporal control of biological interfaces.

We also outline key design considerations for researchers entering this field, including chemical aspects, supramolecular interactions, biological constraints, and the imaging and irradiation techniques required to study these systems.

A truly interdisciplinary journey, from nanoscale control, to microscopic actuation, to functional biological interfaces.

Find the article here