Chiral rhodium(III)-azobenzene complexes as photoswitchable DNA molecular locks

Chiral rhodium(III)-azobenzene complexes that are able to intercalate into DNA were developed. Upon light exposure, the azobenzene moiety of the metal complexes can photoisomerize from the trans-form to the cis-form, and strongly stabilize the DNA double-helix and modulate DNA transcription. This study presents the first example of metal-based photoswitchable DNA molecular locks.

Automated summary

Chiral rhodium(III)-azobenzene complexes capable of intercalating into DNA were developed. Upon light exposure, the azobenzene moiety of the metal complexes can undergo photoisomerization from trans-form to cis-form, thereby stabilizing the DNA double-helix and modulating DNA transcription. This study presents the first example of metal-based photoswitchable DNA molecular locks.