Advances in Application of Azobenzene as a Trigger in Biomedicine: Molecular Design and Spontaneous Assembly

Azobenzene is a well-known derivative of stimulus-responsive molecular switches and has shown superior performance as a functional material in biomedical applications. The results of multiple studies have led to the development of light/hypoxia-responsive azobenzene for biomedical use. In recent years, long-wavelength-responsive azobenzene has been developed. Matching the longer wavelength absorption and hypoxia-response characteristics of the azobenzene switch unit to the bio-optical window results in a large and effective stimulus response. In addition, azobenzene has been used as a hypoxia-sensitive connector via biological cleavage under appropriate stimulus conditions. This has resulted in on/off state switching of properties such as pharmacology and fluorescence activity. Herein, recent advances in the design and fabrication of azobenzene as a trigger in biomedicine are summarized.

Automated summary

Azobenzene, a well-known derivative of stimulus-responsive molecular switches, has shown superior performance in biomedical applications. Recent studies have focused on developing long-wavelength-responsive azobenzene, matching its characteristics to the bio-optical window for larger and more effective stimulus response. The use of azobenzene as a hypoxia-sensitive connector has also resulted in on/off state switching of properties such as pharmacology and fluorescence activity. Here, we summarize recent advances in utilizing azobenzene as a trigger in biomedicine.