Light-operated mechanized nanoparticles

Daniel P. Ferris, Yan Li Zhao, Niveen M. Khashab, Hussam A. Khatib, J. Fraser Stoddart, Jeffrey I. Zink

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

467 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mesoporous silica (MCM-41) nanoparticles modified by azobenzene derivatives, capable of storing small molecules and releasing them following light irradiation, have been fabricated and characterized. In the presence of the β-cyclodextrin and/or pyrene-modified β-cyclodextrin rings, the β-cyclodextrin and/or pyrene-modified β-cyclodextrin rings will thread onto the azobenzene-containing stalks and bind to trans-azobenzene units to form the pseudorotaxanes, thus sealing the nanopores and stopping release of the cargo. Upon irradiation, the isomerization of trans-to-cis azobenzene units leads to the dissociation of the β-cyclodextrin and/or pyrene-modified β-cyclodextrin rings from the stalks, thus opening the gates to the nanopores and releasing the cargo.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1686-1688
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume131
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 11 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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