Azobenzene is a photoswitchable molecule known for its high conversion yield and repeatability. The inclusion of an azobenzene moiety with a known inhibitor of your target of interest allows for greater study of function as well as potential therapies. Three derivatives were designed from azobenzene and known inhibitor of EAATs, TBOA, to synthesize photoswitchable inhibitors of EAATs. Further investigation into the function of EAATs and development of a specific inhibitor for EAAT3, an important glutamate transporter in the brain required for proper function, can then be conducted. Photoisomerization studies on the derivatives were conducted using UV/vis spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy. Two of the synthesized derivatives were successful in their photoisomerization using 365 nm and 455 nm light, while the derivative with a stronger electron donating group at the para position of the azobenzene was unable to isomerize using UV or visible light. These findings can be used to influence the design of more photoswitchable inhibitors as well as study the function of glutamate transporter EAAT3.
Karly Suhr (Wed,) studied this question.