文摘
Tunable and switchable interaction between molecules is a key for regulation and control of cellular processes. Thetranslation of the underlying physicochemical principles to synthetic and switchable functional entities and moleculesthat can mimic the corresponding molecular functions is called reverse molecular engineering. We quantitativelyinvestigated autoinducer-regulated DNA-protein interaction in bacterial gene regulation processes with single atomicforce microscopy (AFM) molecule force spectroscopy in vitro, and developed an artificial bistable molecular host-guest system that can be controlled and regulated by external signals (UV light exposure and thermal energy). Theintermolecular binding functionality (affinity) and its reproducible and reversible switching has been proven by AFMforce spectroscopy at the single-molecule level. This affinity-tunable optomechanical switch will allow novel applicationswith respect to molecular manipulation, nanoscale rewritable molecular memories, and/or artificial ion channels, whichwill serve for the controlled transport and release of ions and neutral compounds in the future.