Microscopic Evaluation of Novel Light Activated Molecular Nanomachines

Using precisely designed molecular nanomachines (MNMs) and complementary experimental protocols, molecular mechanical action can irreversibly disrupt external or internal cellular membranes and expedite cell death in a controlled manner. By chemical modifications, the MNMs can be used to target specific cell types through unique cell-surface recognition elements. The efficacy of this method, using single photon activation in the UV domain to introduce necrotic cell death was published by us in Nature (2017, 548, 567-572).
Our overarching future aim is to extend our study beyond in vitro applications. However, using UV light to activate these molecular machines in vivo has significant limitations associated with non-uniform activation, shallow tissue penetration and unwanted UV damage. In order to overcome these limitations, we have recently extended our research into the biologically safe multi-(two)-photon (2PE) activation domain.