Red-light-sensitive BODIPY photoprotecting groups for amines and their biological application in controlling heart rhythm

Control of biological function by the use of photoremovable protecting groups (PPGs) is a gateway towards many new medical developments. Herein, we report the synthesis and application of efficient and biocompatible BODIPY-based photoprotecting groups for amines, which are cleavable with red light in the phototherapeutic window region (lambda > 650 nm). We use the most promising PPG for the protection of dopamine and apply it to control the beating frequency of human cardiomyocytes.