AZO-modified lipids bilayer and their dynamics associated with optical stimulation.*

In this work we have studied the dynamics of membranes with azo-modified lipids from molecular scales (atomistic molecular dynamics simulations) to vesicle scale (experimental work), with the aim of increasing understanding regarding steady states, elastic constants and membrane permeability. We have found that vesicles dilate and become flexible and much more permeable as a result of trans-to-cis conversion. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, these are the first studies to look at the membrane dynamics associated with optical stimulation. In addition, the relative energies of cis and trans states were theoretically determined. Finally, it is worth to highlight that this combined studies (computational and experimental work) open new avenues regarding rational molecular design in order to tune response.