A novel photoresponsive azobenzene-containing miktoarm star polymer: self-assembly and photoresponse properties

Blasco, E., Schmidt, B. V.K.J. , Barner-Kowollik, C., Piñol, M. and Oriol, L. (2014) A novel photoresponsive azobenzene-containing miktoarm star polymer: self-assembly and photoresponse properties. Macromolecules, 47(11), pp. 3693-3700. (doi: 10.1021/ma500254p)

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Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterization of a novel azobenzene-containing miktoarm star polymer AB3 (Mn = 9700 g mol–1, ĐM = 1.10) as well as its self-assembly properties in water. The miktoarm copolymer is composed of a hydrophobic azopolymer and three hydrophilic PEG arms (Mn = 600 g mol–1). The hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio of the amphiphilic miktoarm polymer is 78/22, leading to the formation of stable polymeric vesicles in water evidenced via TEM and cryo-TEM imaging. The photoresponse of these vesicles has been investigated by irradiation with UV light (λ = 350–400 nm) causing the disruption of the self-assemblies. Encapsulation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic fluorescent probes, i.e., Nile Red and Rhodamine B, and the use of light as an external stimulus to trigger the release of the probes have also been demonstrated.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Schmidt, Dr Bernhard
Authors: Blasco, E., Schmidt, B. V.K.J., Barner-Kowollik, C., Piñol, M., and Oriol, L.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Macromolecules
Publisher:American Chemical Society
ISSN:0024-9297
ISSN (Online):1520-5835
Published Online:21 May 2014

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