Visible-light-activated transmembrane transport by photosensitized isomerization of stiff-stilbene based anion receptors

Información del proyecto

SENSiTRANS

Identificador del acuerdo de subvención: 101108077

DOI

10.3030/101108077

Proyecto cerrado

Fecha de la firma de la CE 21 Abril 2023

Fecha de inicio 1 Septiembre 2023

Fecha de finalización 31 Agosto 2025

Financiado con arreglo a

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Coste total

Sin datos

Aportación de la UE

€ 187 624,32

Coordinado por

UNIVERSITEIT LEIDEN
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SENSiTRANS (Visible-light-activated transmembrane transport by photosensitized isomerization of stiff-stilbene based anion receptors)

Período documentado: 2023-09-01 hasta 2025-08-31

Resumen del contexto y de los objetivos generales del proyecto

The control of anion transport across membranes is essential for many biological processes. Several stimuli-responsive artificial anion transporters have been developed in recent years. Many of these transporters rely on light-stimulated isomerization, but a major limitation is their dependence on ultraviolet (UV) light, which limits applicability due to low tissue penetration and potential damage.
The objective of this fellowship was to develop a strategy to achieve the isomerization of stiff-stilbene anion transporters in lipid bilayers using visible light, a more practical alternative. The approach relied on a photosensitization strategy. The project combined the researcher’s expertise in organic synthesis with advanced training in supramolecular chemistry, photophysics and transmembrane transport studies at the host institution. The scientific pathway was structured into three research objectives: (1) to sensitize the isomerization of stiff-stilbene photoswitches in solution and lipid bilayers, (2) to achieve visible-light–activated anion transport across membranes, and (3) to explore strategies for active ion transport.

Trabajo realizado desde el comienzo del proyecto hasta el final del período abarcado por el informe y los principales resultados hasta la fecha

During the fellowship, the stiff-stilbene photoswitch was successfully isomerized via sensitization for the first time, both in solution and within lipid bilayers using visible-light–absorbing sensitizers. Sensitized isomerization within lipid membranes enabled the activation of a stiff-stilbene chloride transporter with visible light. This marked the achievement of the first two research objectives, demonstrating the feasibility of the concept.
In a further step, promising strategies were developed towards active transport, and a custom experimental setup for monitoring this process under irradiation was built in collaboration with the host institution’s technical workshops. Although the final goal of achieving active ion transport within lipid bilayers was not reached within the fellowship timeframe, all methodologies and tools required to achieve it are now in place and the host group is continuing the research.

Avances que van más allá del estado de la técnica e impacto potencial esperado (incluida la repercusión socioeconómica y las implicaciones sociales más amplias del proyecto hasta la fecha)

The project advanced the state of the art in two ways. First, it demonstrated for the first time the sensitization of stiff-stilbene photoswitches using visible-light absorbing sensitizers. Second, it showed that the sensitized isomerization of stiff-stilbene can take place efficiently within the confined environment of a lipid bilayer, opening new avenues for the field of transmembrane anion transport. These advances are expected to impact both fundamental research in supramolecular chemistry and potential applications in areas such as energy conversion. The fellowship initiated a new research line at the host institution, ensuring long-term continuation of the work.

Figure SENSiTRANS