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Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Nano-fEM: Protein Localization Using Photo-activated Localization Microscopy and Electron Microscopy
Published on: December 3, 2012
A light-actuated nanovalve derived from a channel protein
Armagan Koçer1, Martin Walko, Wim Meijberg
1BiOMaDe Technology Foundation, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Toward the realization of nanoscale device control, we report a molecular valve embedded in a membrane that can be opened by illumination with long-wavelength ultraviolet (366 nanometers) light and then resealed by visible irradiation. The valve consists of a channel protein, the mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) from Escherichia coli, modified by attachment of synthetic compounds that undergo light-induced charge separation to reversibly open and close a 3-nanometer pore. The system is compatible with a classical encapsulation system, the liposome, and external photochemical control over transport through the channel is achieved.
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