Optoregulated Biointerfaces to Trigger Cellular Responses

Abstract

Optoregulated biointerfaces offer the possibility to manipulate the interactions between cell membrane receptors and the extracellular space. This Invited Feature Article summarizes recent efforts by our group and others during the past decade to develop light-responsive biointerfaces to stimulate cells and elicit cellular responses using photocleavable protecting groups (PPG) as our working tool. This article begins by providing a brief introduction to available PPGs, with a special focus on the widely used o-nitrobenzyl family, followed by an overview of molecular design principles for the control of bioactivity in the context of cell−material interactions and the characterization methods to use in following the photoreaction at surfaces. We present various light-guided cellular processes using PPGs, including cell adhesion, release, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, this Invited Feature Article closes with our perspective on the current status and future challenges of this topic.

Light‐Regulated Angiogenesis via a Phototriggerable VEGF Peptidomimetic

“…DMNPB ( max = 346 nm, max = 4100 m −1 cm −1 ) has been used to regulate bioactivity in cell cultures using 405 nm light with no detected photodamage. [19,21] DMNPB was attached to the aromatic amine of the indole ring via a carbamate link by following the protocol of J. A. Grzyb et al [22] using carbamoylimidazolium salts to form carbamates from amines and alcohols (Scheme 1).…”

Photobodies: Light‐Activatable Single‐Domain Antibody Fragments

“…We envisaged the rational design of novel protein reagents in which the binding of the antibody variable domain(s) to its cognate epitope is rendered light dependent. Photoactivatable and photoswitchable molecules are exquisite tools to study biological systems with high temporal and spatial resolution, to develop new biomaterials, and they have great potential for therapeutic purposes in the field of photopharmacology . Previous examples of light‐controlled molecules covered small molecules and ligands, enzymes, ion channels, various proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and others .…”

Photobodies: Light‐Activatable Single‐Domain Antibody Fragments

“…We envisaged the rational design of novel protein reagents in which the binding of the antibody variable domain(s) to its cognate epitope is rendered light dependent. Photoactivatable and photoswitchable molecules are exquisite tools to study biological systems with high temporal and spatial resolution, [2] to develop new biomaterials, [3] and they have great potential for therapeutic purposes in the field of photopharmacology. [4] Previous examples of light-controlled molecules covered small molecules and ligands,enzymes,ion channels,v arious proteins,n ucleic acids,l ipids,a nd others.…”