Modern biochemistry and biophysics demand accurate spatiotemporal control and in-situ regulation of molecular processes. Light-triggers are specially suited for this purpose, as they offer submicron spatial resolution, <µs temporal resolution, precise dose-dependent compositional control, and can be activated using regular (confocal) microscopy set-ups. Phototriggers are relevant tools for the study of the dynamics and the interplay of biological factors involved in signalling pathways. These are fundamental issues for our understanding of how organisms develop, diseases spread or the human mind functions.

Photoremovable protecting groups (PRPP or “cages”) are chromophores that can be attached to functional biomolecules to render them (bio)chemically inert. Light exposure restores the molecular (bio)activity by effective cleaving of the caging group from the molecule (“uncaging”). The spatial and temporal control of the uncaging process, i.e. of the activity of the biomolecule, allows remote regulation of cellular processes.

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