Researchers report light-controlled transport of biomolecules across the cell membrane

Crossing the membrane is a major challenge on the journey through the cell. Large biomolecules usually benefit from different transport strategies to overcome the lipid bilayer, so the design and synthesis of new carriers is key for the delivery of hydrophilic substances, such as pharmaceuticals, into the cell. Among these transporters, those using light as stimulus are particularly appealing due to their high precision, no chemical waste production and the possibility of remote application.