Forging bonds with green light

“Queensland University of Technology researchers have created a new molecular coupling tool employing both green light and pH triggers that has potential for use in applications such as drug delivery and 3D cell culture platforms. . . . The researchers designed photoreactive molecules that enabled them to couple together, using green light as the fuel, polymers commonly used in medical and industrial applications. They then controlled the molecules’ photoreactivity by changing pH. . . . It is the first time pH has been used as an on/off switch for a green light-activated, catalyst-free chemical process.  The green light used was also the longest wavelength of light (up to 500 nanometres) employed to date to control a catalyst-free photochemical bond-forming reaction.  To demonstrate the application potential of this photochemical innovation, the team produced a range of hydrogels with varying mechanical properties. Hydrogels are commonly used in contact lenses, tissue engineering scaffolds, as drug delivery carriers, and for cell biology studies.”  MORE WITH VIDEO

Image Credit:   EurekaAlert.org and Queensland University of Technology