  The isomerisation of azo dyes can induce conformational change which have
potential applications in medicine and environmental protection. We developed
an agar diffusion assay to test the capture and release of biologically active
molecules from an azo electro-optic polymer, Poly (Disperse Red 1 methacrylate)
(DR1/PMMA). The assay monitors the growth of bacteria placed in soft agar under
a glass coverslip. Antibiotics can then be applied on the coverslip resulting
in the clearance of the area under the coverslip due to growth inhibition. This
assay demonstrates that DR1/PMMA is able to capture either tetracycline or
ampicillin and the relative amount of DR1/PMMA required for capture was
determined. Finally, the active antibiotics can be released from DR1/PMMA by
exposure to green light but not by exposure to white light or heat.
