Light-mediated Reactions
Light-mediated Reactions - Related Videos
10:45
Light-mediated Formation and Patterning of Hydrogels for Cell Culture Applications
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Cited by 26 •
2016
We describe a sequential process for light-mediated formation and subsequent biochemical patterning of synthetic hydrogel matrices for three-dimensional cell culture applications. The construction and modification of hydrogels with cytocompatible photoclick chemistry is demonstrated. Additionally, facile techniques to quantify and observe patterns and determine cell viability within these hydrogels are presented.
07:39
Facile Synthesis of Worm-like Micelles by Visible Light Mediated Dispersion Polymerization Using Photoredox Catalyst
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Cited by 5 •
2016
This article describes a process for producing polymeric self-assembled nanoparticles using visible light mediated dispersion polymerization. Using low energy visible light to control the polymerization allows for the reproducible formation of self-assembled worm-like micelles at high solids content.
07:08
CO2 Photoreduction to CH4 Performance Under Concentrating Solar Light
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Cited by 1 •
2019
We present a protocol for improving the performance of CO2 photoreduction to CH4 by heightening the incident light intensity via concentrating solar energy technology.
02:00
Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light
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2020
Light plays a significant role in regulating the growth and development of plants. In addition to providing energy for photosynthesis, light provides other important cues to regulate a range of developmental and physiological responses in plants. What Is a Photoreceptor? Plants respond to light using a unique set of light-sensitive proteins called photoreceptors. Photoreceptors contain photopigments, which consist of a protein component bound to a non-protein, light-absorbing pigment called...
06:24
Real-time Observation of the DNA Strand Exchange Reaction Mediated by Rad51
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Cited by 6 •
2019
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based real-time observation systems of the DNA strand exchange reaction mediated by Rad51 were developed. Using the protocols presented here, we are able to detect the formation of reaction intermediates and their conversion into products, while also analyzing the enzymatic kinetics of the reaction.
FAQs
Photon absorption places a molecule or photocatalyst in an electronically excited state with access to different chemical pathways than its ground state. That added energy can promote bond cleavage, electron transfer, energy transfer, or the generation of reactive radicals and ions. These pathways allow transformations that may be difficult to achieve under ordinary thermal conditions.
Wavelength determines which molecule or photocatalyst can absorb the incident light and therefore influences the excited state that initiates the chemistry. Light intensity affects how strongly that photochemical process is driven. Adjusting both variables helps chemists regulate reaction pathways and efficiency rather than treating illumination as a fixed condition.
A photocatalyst absorbs light and uses the resulting excited state to facilitate electron transfer or energy transfer. This activity can generate reactive radicals or ions without requiring the catalyst to serve as a permanent reactant. In photoredox catalysis, controlling the catalyst and reaction conditions helps direct the desired chemical pathway and improve selectivity.
A useful design sequence begins by identifying the light-absorbing molecule or photocatalyst, then considering the excited-state pathway it can access. Chemists evaluate whether bond cleavage, electron transfer, energy transfer, or reactive radical and ion formation supports the target transformation. They then adjust wavelength, intensity, solvent, and catalyst to regulate the outcome.
The approach supports selective organic synthesis, photoredox catalysis, polymerization, and the preparation of functional materials. Its value differs across these applications: light can help direct molecular transformations, enable catalytic electron-transfer processes, initiate polymer formation, or contribute to material preparation. The specific solvent, catalyst, and illumination conditions influence which pathway is favored.
Using photon energy can make transformations accessible without relying exclusively on harsh reagents or high temperatures. Excited-state chemistry supplies pathways involving electron transfer, energy transfer, bond cleavage, or reactive intermediates. When chemists control the wavelength, light intensity, solvent, and catalyst, they can regulate efficiency and selectivity while pursuing milder reaction conditions.