Abstract
The article provides a detailed overview of current research in the field of photochromic polypeptides. Polypeptides are special polymers because of their ability to exist in well-defined ordered structures, such as α-helix and β-structures. When photochromic units, such as azobenzene and spiropyran, are introduced into the side chains of these macromolecules, photochromic polypeptides may respond to light giving photoinduced reversible structural changes, including random coil/α-helix transitions, helix-sense reversals, photostimulated aggregation/disaggregation processes, and photomechanical effects. Moreover, experimental findings provide evidence that the photoinduced structural changes occur as cooperative transitions, therefore photochromic polypeptides actually work as amplifiers and transducers of the primary photochemical event occurring in the side chains. These fascinating properties suggest that photochromic polypeptides may have many future opportunities as suitable materials for application in photo-optical technology, and for designing sensors and devices that can be photomodulated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
