Photoresponsive Molecular Tweezer: Control-Release Of Anions And Fluorescence Switch

Photoresponsive control-release supramolecular systems have aroused considerable interest for the application in drug delivery, ion transport and so on. Here, we fabricated a stiff-stilbenes-based bis-urea that resembles a molecular tweezer, exhibiting reversible photoisomerization behaviors between (Z)-form and (E)-form. Significantly, photo-controlled selective recognition and release of CH3CO2- and H2PO4- were achieved by the molecular tweezer upon irradiation with distinct light. Furthermore, the stiff-stilbenes-based bis-urea also hold a functionalization as a novel photoinduced fluorescence switch. These finds have enormous potential for the application in optically controlled drug delivery, the regulation of anion transport across the cell membrane and advanced optical materials.