“…Their direct use in solution, immobilized at surfaces, or integrated into adequate matrices, allow for the elaboration of nano-carriers, [1] molecular electronic memory circuits, [2] adaptive systems, [3] artificial muscles, [4] or healable materials, [5] among others. In nature, lightinduced geometrical modifications of molecular systems [10] lead to primary biological functions, such as the visual perception in vertebrates, [11] or proton pumping in some bacteria, [12] two examples that nicely illustrate the potential of photo-inducing structural modifications in organic systems.Changing the geometry of macromolecules can be exploited for the elaboration of guest-encapsulation structures, [13] and opto-mechanical materials, [14] which enable direct conversion of photon energy into mechanical work.
Of particular interest are switches controlled by non-invasive triggers, especially light, which can display high spatial and temporal resolution.…”