Diol or Hydrogen Peroxide-responsive Micellar Systems and Their Rheological Properties

External stimuli-responsive worm-like micelles (WLMs) have the potential for a wide range of applications. In particular, sugar (a polyol compound)-responsive WLMs have the potential for use in smartdrug release systems. Phenylboronic acid (PBA) functions as a cis-diol sensor in a similar manner it does as a glucose sensor. Thus, WLMs, primarily composed of surfactants and PBA, are expected to function as cisdiol-responsive viscoelastic systems. PBA also reacts irreversibly with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and is converted into phenol and boric acid. H2O2 is one of reactive oxygen species crucial for several physiological processes. Therefore, H2O2-responsive WLMs have the potential for various applications. In this review, we describe cis-diol- and H2O2-responsive micellar systems composed of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and PBA moieties that shift their viscosities in response to stimuli.