Optical Switches for Lipid Membranes: Computed Molecular Projection Area as a Switch Selection Criterion

Abstract

Optical switches in lipid membranes are an emerging tool to tune the properties of the bilayer or membrane protein integrated therein. Here, we use simple geometry and physics considerations to deduce structural criteria to design efficient photoactivated switches for lipid membranes. We compare how the area of projection on the bilayer of various classes of photoswitches changes upon the trans/cis or open/closed transition and show that azobenzene and stilbene should distort the bilayer structure the most. We also conclude that planar-elongated molecules, in which atoms of isomerizable double bond have no additional substituents, while substituents of the fragments adjacent to the double bond prevent formation of the planar molecule in cis configuration, are to be the best photoswitches for lipid membranes.