Professors develop light activated molecular keypad

In a recent article in New Scientist, entitled “Light pulses could release “locked” drugs”, Colin Barras describes research by professors Devens Gust, Thomas Moore and Ana Moore of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Along with their colleague, professor Joakim Andreasson at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden they have developed a molecular lock that is triggered by ultraviolet and visible laser light.

The lock is a complex molecule with three components and is activated when the two light-sensitive portions are switched on in the correct order. In essence, the lock opens when exposed to one out of eight possible two-digit codes. The third component of the molecule can then be used to turn on or release a drug orother molecule designed to be sensitive to it. The lock has advantages overchemical molecular locks in that it can be reset many times, operated quickly, and activated remotely.

Gust says the most obvious application of the molecule is as a lock to ensure secure drug delivery at the right location in the body. He also thinks that light could beused to activate any number of chemical processes from a distance if coloredlaser beams are used to open the lock. For example, chemicals like explosives could be activated from a distance, says Andreasson.

Information:
Devens Gust, [email protected]
(480) 965-4547

Media contact:
Jenny Green, [email protected]
(480) 965-1430
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry