Effect of Lipid on Photo-induced Potential Change across Spiropyran Membrane

Abstract

A spiropyran compound, which undergoes photoisomerization, was incorporated to acetyl cellulose along with phosphatidylcholine in order to prepare a photo-responsive membrane. The transmembrane potential of the spiropyran-bound membrane was found to depend on visible and UV light irradiation. Phosphatidylcholine enhanced a great deal the photo-induced membrane potential change. The membrane potential changed in association with the photoisomerization of the bound-spiropyran. The role of phosphatidylcholine is discussed.