Water-soluble, donor-acceptor biphenyl derivatives in the 2-(o-nitrophenyl)propyl series: highly efficient two-photon uncaging of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid at λ = 800 nm.

By using two-photon (TP)[1] photoreleasable neurotransmitters like glutamate (Glu) or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), neuronal processes can be activated or inhibited with high temporal and spatial control (with around one micron three-dimensional precision) with reduced photodamage to cells or organs, and with deeper penetration of the light beam into living tissue compared to that of UV photoactivation.[2]