Remote activation of nanoparticulate biomimetic activity by light triggered pH-jump.

Herein, we report a facile, efficient and versatile method for the photo-regulation of pH-dependent activities of artificial enzymes by incorporating flash photolysis reagents. Under light excitation, a persistent pH shift is achieved by proton release from photosensitive 2-nitrobenzaldehyde. Following such change, the controlled activation of oxidase-like activity of nanoceria is successfully demonstrated.