Light-Controlled Enzymes Show Potential in Medicine, Industry

Research conducted at the University of São Paulo’s Chemistry Institute demonstrated the utility of near-infrared and infrared light for use as catalysts in the control of enzymes. The work holds implications for the noninvasive treatment of diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. São Paulo researchers investigated the activity of enzymes immobilized on gold nanoparticles controlled by infrared laser radiation. That process is known as plasmonic biocatalysis. Enzymes can be controlled remotely with light by immobilizing them on the surface of nanoparticles, where they are then irradiated by laser light. The nanoparticles absorb the energy and release it back in the form of heat or electronic...