Visible light-, pH-, and cyclodextrin-responsive azobenzene functionalized polymeric nanoparticles. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zheng, Xiaoxing; Bian, Qing; Ye, Chunxiao; Wang, Guojie
• Is Part Of: Dyes and pigments. Volume 162(2019)
• Page Start: 599
• Page End: 605
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Azobenzene -- Nanoparticles -- Photochemistry -- Self-assembly -- Stimuli-responsive; Dyes and dyeing -- Periodicals; Pigments -- Periodicals; 667.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2018.10.063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-7208

Abstract

Abstract: Multiple stimuli-responsive nanoparticles that could respond to visible-light, pH and host-guest interactions were fabricated by self-assembly of tetra-ortho-methoxy-substituted azobenzene (mAzo) functionalized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) (PDMAEMA-mAzo), which was synthesized by quaternization between the azobenzene derivative (mAzo-Br) and the dimethylaminoethyl units of PDMAEMA. The amphiphilic azobenzene-functionalized polymer (PDMAEMA-mAzo) would self-assemble into a micellar nanoparticle consisting of hydrophobic mAzo groups as a core and hydrophilic PDMAEMA segments as a shell. Under green light irradiation, the azobenzene could isomerize from the trans form to the cis, while the morphology of the nanoparticle changed little and the loaded Nile red would not be released. At acidic condition, the azobenzene mAzo and PDMAEMA could be protonated and the nanoparticle was swollen and the loaded Nile red would be released. When mixed with cyclodextrin (CD), the nanoparticles were dissociated due to the formation of the host-guest complex of CD and azobenzene. Upon green light irradiation, the trans azobenzene changed to the cis form and the host-guest interaction could be disrupted, where the cis-azobenzene-containing polymer would self-assemble into nanoparticles. The dissociation of the nanoparticles upon addition of CD would induce the release of loaded Nile red. The prepared multiple-responsive azobenzene functionalized polymer nanoparticles may offer significant opportunities for diverse applications in the fields of nanotechnology and biotechnology for controlled release as smart nanocarriers. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Self-assembly of a visible light responsive azobenzene-functionalized polymer. Polymeric nanoparticles sensitive to visible light, pH and cyclodextrin. Controlled release from the nanoparticles as smart nanocarriers.