Photoactive augmentation of protein-based materials for modulation of long-range proton conduction

Understanding long-range proton conduction is of utmost importance for the elucidation of biological processes. By using novel protein based materials as model substrates, the conductivity mechanisms of biological systems can be studied. Excited state proton transfer (ESPT) has served as an excellent tool in these pursuits. To further explore the dynamic processes at hand, the materials were augmented with a photoacid to enable on demand proton release and capture. The conductivity of the materials can be reversibly modulated by optical excitation. The magnitude of the effect can be adjusted by changing the doping level. These materials, imbued with remarkable new properties, also show promise for biologically based conductivity switches. Such materials may be applied to in vivo experiments in order to elucidate attributes of the nervous system.