A short peptide based hydrogel exhibits aqueous insolubility, thixotropy and efficient light induced syneresis. Upon irradiation with UV light, the hydrogel shrinks and expells ∼50% of the solvent. Syneresis is caused by light-triggered trans-cis isomerisation of an azobenzene moiety in the peptide derivative. This expulsion of solvent can be effectively exploited in the removal of low molecular weight contaminants in water.

中文翻译：

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水不溶性肽-水凝胶的光触发脱水收缩有效地去除了小分子废物污染物。

基于短肽的水凝胶表现出水不溶性，触变性和有效的光诱导脱水收缩。紫外线照射后，水凝胶收缩并排出约50％的溶剂。脱水收缩是由肽衍生物中的偶氮苯部分的光触发反式-顺式异构化引起的。溶剂的这种排出可以有效地用于去除水中的低分子量污染物。