Smart polymers provide light-activated switch to turn enzymes ...( nded one moves away from the site leav...)

nded one moves away from the site, leaving it open. Researchers synthesized two light-sensitive polymers, called DMAA and DMAAm. When exposed to visible light, DMAA becomes hydrophilic it attracts water molecules and expands. When the visible light is replaced by ultraviolet light, DMMA becomes hydrophobic, expelling the water molecules and contracting into a coil. DMMAm works in reverse: under UV light it expands, and under visible light it contracts.

So the switch works by enabling endoglucanase to bind or unbind with cellulose, depending on the type of light applied.

The technique should be useful over a broad range of applications.

The diminutive size of the enzymes and molecules involved could open avenues into advanced concepts like microfluidics and "lab on a chip" the ability to fit a full range of laboratory functions on a single computer chip. The technique could also be valuable in drug therapies that involve an enzyme that needs to remain inactive until it reaches its target.

"Once in place, they could be activated using optical fiber technology," Stayton said.

'"/>

Contact: Rob Harrill
rharrill@u.washington.edu
206-543-2580
University of Washington
16-Dec-2002

Page: 1 2
Related biology news :

1. Smart antibiotics may result from UCLA research
2. Smart gene therapy protects against damage from heart attack
3. Smart bomb delivery destroys tumors in mice
4. Smart mathematical model prevents the spread of swine fever
5. Smart sensor technology finds tremendous potential in various industries
6. Smart materials expand within global marketplace
7. Smart suture is first application of novel MIT polymer
8. Smart bandage diagnoses danger before infection takes hold
9. Smart carriers and tiny skin-deep medicine cabinets improve drug effectiveness against cancer, AIDS, other diseases
10. "Smart" fertilizer improves plant growth, prevents pollution from run off
11. Smart polymers provide size-selective switches to turn proteins on, off