Thermoresponse and light-induced reversible self-assembly/disassembly of supra-amphiphiles from azobenzene- and β-cyclodextrin-containing copolymers

>P(DMAEMA-co-AzoMA)/beta-CD-(PDMAEMA)(7) supra-amphiphiles were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and supramolecular host-guest inclusion complexation between trans-azobenzene and beta-CD. The supra-amphiphiles self-assemble to spherical nano-micelles. Owing to the thermoresponse of PDMAEMA segment, the size and the aggregation of the micelles are changed by altering the solution temperature. Upon ultraviolet irradiation, azobenzene moieties undergo trans-cis photoisomerization, and leaves from the cavity of beta-CD, which results in the disassembly of supra-amphiphiles. The reversible self-assembly/disassembly behavior of the supra-amphiphiles is achieved by visible light or ultraviolet irradiation. Finally, the supramolecular micelles realize the controlled release of Nile red by adjusting the temperature or light irradiation. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.