Protein‐based Photoswitches: From Natural Systems to Engineered Materials

ABSTRACT Protein‐based photoswitches undergo reversible binding and/or conformational changes when exposed to light to transduce signals required for homeostatic control of living systems. While decades of research, discovery, and testing have highlighted important roles for these transducing elements in nature, the nuanced differences in their compositions, structures, and subsequent functions have limited their broader adoption in targeted materials applications. This review surveys the structure/property relationships of protein‐based photoswitches in nature. Similarities and distinguishing features that enable their dynamic function are discussed, where variables including activation energy, composition, response time, and recovery dynamics are used to guide criteria outlined for consideration in the rational selection of photoswitches for materials.