Visible light sensitized isomerization of rhodopsin-based molecular switches

Abstract Neutral rhodopsin-based molecular photoswitches can be activated by using low-energy visible light through sensitized irradiation. The triplet state of the neutral and protonated forms are studied and compared by the use of different experimental conditions, laser flash photolysis, and theoretical calculations. The use of common, visible light absorbing sensitizers allows for the photoisomerization without the requirement of acidic water solutions.