Computational study of terahertz-driven controllable molecular isomerization

Zhi Zhu, Shiyu Gu, Chao Chang (), Hongkang Qu, Zuoxian Xiang, Chunlei Wang, Yangmei Li (), Joseph S. Francisco () and Xiao Cheng Zeng ()
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Zhi Zhu: University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
Shiyu Gu: National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology
Chao Chang: National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology
Hongkang Qu: University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
Zuoxian Xiang: National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology
Chunlei Wang: Shanghai University
Yangmei Li: National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology
Joseph S. Francisco: University of Pennsylvania
Xiao Cheng Zeng: City University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Molecular isomerization supports a variety of biological processes, and conformational regulation is a promising approach to achieve the desired physiological functions or inhibit adverse biological activities. Although extremely challenging, a controllable isomerism-modulated approach with features such as being molecule specific, non-invasive, and reversible is highly desirable for complex biosystems. Herein, based on the evidence from the molecular dynamic simulations of the controlled rotation around the σ bonds in retinal moiety and its generalizability to other systems, we present a strategy to achieve frequency-specific terahertz (THz) light-driven, controllable and reversible molecular isomerization. This strategy is attributed to the resonant energy transfer precisely from the THz irradiation to the rotational motion of the targeted molecular moieties by overcoming the energy barriers among the distinct isomers. This unique strategy is broadly applicable, as demonstrated in an extended study of rotation of an amino acid in aquaporin-4, and manifests significant implications for making precise molecular conformation manipulations and tuning controllable biochemical processes using state-of-the-art THz technologies.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62521-3

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