Abstract
Photo-induced rapid control of molecular assemblies formed by amphiphilic molecules, such as micelles and vesicles, enables effective and on-demand release of drugs or active components, with applications such as drug delivery systems (DDS) and cosmetics1). Thus far, no attempts to optimize the responsiveness of photoresponsive molecular assemblies have been reported. We previously reported photoresponsive surfactants bearing a lophine dimer moiety that exhibit fast photochromism in confined spaces, such as inside a molecular assembly. However, rapid control of the micelle structures and solubilization capacity have not yet been demonstrated.In the present study, photo-induced morphological changes in micelles were monitored using in-situ small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy2,3). An amphiphilic lophine dimer (3TEG-LPD) formed elliptical micelles. These were rapidly elongated by ultraviolet light irradiation, which could be reversed by dark treatment, both within 60 s (Fig. 1). For a solution of 3TEG-LPD micelles solubilizing calcein as a model drug molecule, fluorescence and SANS measurements indicated rapid release of the incorporated calcein into the bulk solvent under UV irradiation. Building on these results, we investigated rapid controlled release via hierarchical chemical processes: photoisomerization, morphological changes in the micelles, and drug release. This rapid controlled release system allows for effective and on-demand DDS.References1) M. Akamatsu, K Sakai, H Sakai, Chemistry Letters, 52 (7), 573 (2023). (Highlight Review)2) M. Akamatsu, K. Kobayashi, H. Iwase, Y. Sakaguchi, R. Tanaka, K. Sakai, H. Sakai, Scientific Reports, 11:10754 (2021).3) H. Iwase, M. Akamatsu, Y. Inamura, Y. Sakaguchi, K. Kobayashi, H.Sakai, Langmuir 39 (35), 12357 (2023). Figure 1
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call