Azobenzene-based photoswitches: a promising element in the field of life science

Photoswitches are a group of molecules which can modulate biochemical features via isomerisation. Azobenzene is a prevalent structure used in photoswitches. The key feature of azobenzene is the light-stimulated interconversion between cis- and trans- forms, with diverse activity in its two forms. Owing to the various synthetic methods of azobenzene derivates and their photoswitchable features, azobenzene-based photoswitches have been promising elements in the field of life science, both for photopharmacological drugs and research tools. As photopharmacological drugs, they can interact with the traditional targets (ion channels, transporters, etc.) and be introduced as novel elements in some new technology (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras). As research tools, they are used to regulate the conformation and activity of some biomolecules such as proteins and peptides via structural restrictions or target protein degradation. Several barriers remain, however, especially regarding these molecules’ use in vivo and clinic. This paper aims to integrate properties, mechanisms, synthetic methods, and applications of azobenzene-based photoswitches, meanwhile, providing some challenges in this field.