Photosensitive System Research Articles

Methylene Blue Solid Alginate Gels for Photodynamic Therapy: The Peculiarities of Production and Controlled Release of the Dye

The purpose of this work is to establish the influence of the nature of solid alginate gels (alginic acid, AAG; calcium alginate, CAG) and the conditions of methylene blue (MB) introduction to alginate matrices upon its release into aqueous media. MB is an active photosensitizer, which is used in the photodynamic therapy of tumors and purulent wounds. Solid alginate gels based on AAG and CAG were obtained by adding hydrochloric acid and calcium chloride to sodium alginate. The dye was introduced into the matrix either at the stage of gelation or by immersing the gel in an aqueous solution of the dye. It has been shown that the strength of the dye’s attachment to AAG is higher than that of CAG, which leads to a higher rate of MB release from CAG into aqueous media. It has also been shown that, when introduced at the stage of gel formation, MB is released into both the water and buffer solutions. When MB is introduced by gel immersion into an MB solution, the dye may be released only into salt solutions. An alginate gel with immobilized MB can be used as a solid photosensitizing system with the controlled release of the photoactive agent into the wound cavity for photodynamic treatment.

Tertiary lymphoid structure formation induced by LIGHT-engineered and photosensitive nanoparticles-decorated bacteria enhances immune response against colorectal cancer

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are known to enhance the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) by fostering an immunologically active tumor microenvironment (TME). Inducing TLS formation therapeutically holds promise for treating immunologically cold CRC, though it poses technical challenges. Here, we design and fabricate a photosensitive bacterial system named E@L-P/ICG. This system is engineered bacteria internally loaded with the cytokine LIGHT and surface-modified with PLGA/ICG nanoparticles (P/ICG NPs). Once accumulated in orthotopic colonic tumors in mice, E@L-P/ICG generates a mild photothermal effect under laser irradiation due to the photosensitive P/ICG NPs. This photothermal effect triggers the self-rupture of E@L-P/ICG and the death of surrounding tumor cells to release adjuvants and antigens, respectively, which in turn synergistically activate the adaptive immune responses. Furthermore, the cytokine LIGHT released from ruptured E@L-P/ICG stimulates the generation of high endothelial vessels (HEVs), promoting lymphocyte recruitment within the TME. These mechanisms lead to the TLS formation in CRC, which further boosts adaptive immune responses through effective infiltration of T cells and B cells, resulting in effectively inhibited tumor growth and extended survival of mice. Our study shows the potential of the E@L-P/ICG system in photosensitively inducing the TLS formation to treat CRC in clinic.

Synthesis and properties of oligopropylamines with photosensitive o-nitrobenzyl ester core

The o-nitrobenzyl ester group is known for more than 50 years as a convenient protecting group and fragment for the design of photosensitive systems, including drug delivery agents. Polymeric amines with these groups are promising systems for medical applications, but the lack of basic knowledge about the possible degradation of these compounds under physiological conditions restrains the development of real preparations. We synthesized five new polyamines with the insertion of the o-nitrobenzyl ester group into the chain, including an oligomeric mixture with a weight average number of amine groups equal to 21. The ester group in the polyamine chain was found to be sensitive to hydrolysis at neutral and alkaline pH values. The presence of an amine group near the ester group facilitates hydrolysis through coordination with a hydroxyl ion or water molecule. The catalytic action of the amine moieties is prevented by protonation of the amine at low pH values or by interaction with polymeric acid. The study of photodegradation of new polyamines by HPLC-MS showed the formation of a number of products, most of which were not considered in previous works with o-nitrobenzyl ester derivatives. The o-nitrobenzyl ester group is used in the design of gene delivery systems and other biomedical preparations as a fragment that can be degraded by light. Our results indicate that photodegradation of o-nitrobenzyl esters can produce a number of compounds whose structure and safety for living organisms must be evaluated before use. On the other hand, the discovered hydrolyzability of o-nitrobenzyl esters catalyzed by a neighboring amine group may find application in the development of drug delivery systems. We have shown that the lifetime of o-nitrobenzyl ester containing polyamines is sufficient for gene delivery. Self-degradation of the delivery agent after penetration into a living cell is a desirable case for the release of the delivered agent.

Study on rheology of novel UV/visible light sensitive trimeric cationic surfactant/trans-4-phenylazo benzoic acid micelle system

Abstract The trimeric cetyl cationic surfactant (TGC) forms reversible photosensitive micelle systems with the photosensitive counterions trans-4-phenylazo benzoic acid (trans-ACA). The Carreau-Yasuda model was used for the flow curves before and after UV irradiation. The effects of trans-ACA concentration, TGC concentration, and different durations of UV (365 nm) and visible light (465 nm) irradiation on the rheological properties of TGC/trans-ACA were investigated. Prior to UV irradiation, the TGC/trans-ACA system was composed of wormlike micelles, which showed pronounced shear thinning behavior, good thixotropy and viscoelasticity. Macroscopically, it appears as a difficult to flow solution. After UV irradiation, trans-ACA is isomerized to cis-ACA, and the worm-like micelles are transformed to spherical or short rod-like micelles, resulting in a significant decrease in thixotropy and viscoelasticity, and thus a decrease in viscosity and an increase in fluidity. At lower TGC concentrations, UV irradiation can induce a reversal of the rheological properties of the TGC/trans-ACA system, which exhibits a complete solution state. Exposure to visible light restores the rheology of the system to that prior to UV irradiation. Under UV and visible light irradiation at different times, the system obeys to the rheo-kinetic equation. The UV–vis spectrum confirms that the changes in the rheological properties of the TGC/trans-ACA system are due to the reversible photoisomerization of trans-ACA.

Bionic aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer for enhanced cancer immunotherapy

Cold exposure therapy (CE), as an inexpensive method, has shown great potential in cancer therapy. Exploring the combined anti-tumor mechanism of CE and traditional therapies (such as photodynamic therapy (PDT)) is exciting and promising. Here, a bionic aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer system (named THL) is designed for combined CE to enhance anti-tumor immunotherapy. THL inherits the homologous targeting ability of tumor derived exosomes, promoting the enrichment of THL at the tumor site. Under external illumination, THL generates hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions through type I PDT. In addition, mice are pretreated with cold exposure, which promotes THL mediated PDT and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by reducing the production of ATP and GSH in tumor tissue. This combination therapy increases production of ROS within the tumor, inhibits the growth of distant tumors, recurrent and rechallenged tumors and increases the number of cytotoxic CD8+T cells and memory T cells. Compared to PDT alone, combination therapy shows greater advantages in tumor immunotherapy. The combination therapy strategy provides new ideas for cancer immunotherapy.

Influence of bulk-phase acidity, organic fraction, and dissolved oxygen on the photosensitized renoxification of nitrate in NaNO3/humic acid mixtures

Nitrate renoxification significantly influences atmospheric nitrogen cycling and global OH budgets. Although numerous nitrite acid (HONO) formation pathways from nitrate photolysis have been widely reported, the influence of various environmental factors and aerosol properties on reactive nitrogen production remains largely unclear. In this work, we employed NaNO3/humic acid (HA) as a model nitrate photosensitization system to investigate the crucial roles of aerosol acidity, organic fraction, and dissolved oxygen in the production of HONO, NO2, and NO2-. The presence of HA at 10 mg/L resulted in a remarkable increase in HONO production rates by approximately 2–3 times and NO2- concentration by 3–6 times across a pH range of 5.2 to 2.0. Meanwhile, the molar fraction of gaseous HONO in total N(III) production increased from 4 % to 69 % as bulk-phase pH decreased from 5.2 to 2.0. The higher organic fraction (i.e., 20 and 50 mg/L HA concentration) instead inhibited HONO and NO2 release. The presence of dissolved oxygen was found to be adverse for reactive nitrogen production. This suggests that the HA photosensitizer promoted the secondary conversion of NO2 to HONO mainly via reduced ketyl radical intermediates, while superoxide radical formation might exert a negative effect. Our findings provide comprehensive insights into reactive nitrogen production from photosensitized nitrate photolysis mediated by various external and internal factors, potentially accounting for discrepancies between field observations and model simulations.

The Potential of Photodynamic Therapy Using Solid Lipid Nanoparticles with Aluminum Phthalocyanine Chloride as a Nanocarrier for Modulating Immunogenic Cell Death in Murine Melanoma In Vitro.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a photosensitizer to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill target cells. In cancer treatments, PDT can potentially induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), which is characterized by a well-controlled exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that activate dendritic cells (DCs) and consequently modulate the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. However, PDT still has limitations, such as the activity of photosensitizers in aqueous media and poor bioavailability. Therefore, a new photosensitizer system, SLN-AlPc, has been developed to improve the therapeutic efficacy of PDT. In vitro experiments showed that the light-excited nanocarrier increased ROS production in murine melanoma B16-F10 cells and modulated the profile of DCs. PDT induced cell death accompanied by the exposure of DAMPs and the formation of autophagosomes. In addition, the DCs exposed to PDT-treated B16-F10 cells exhibited morphological changes, increased expression of MHCII, CD86, CD80, and production of IL-12 and IFN-γ, suggesting immune activation towards an antitumor profile. These results indicate that the SLNs-AlPc protocol has the potential to improve PDT efficacy by inducing ICD and activating DCs.

High-performance color and fluorescence switching of cotton fabrics via light-induced proton transfer strategy of spiropyran sulfonate molecule

Light-responsive color-switching materials have garnered persistent interest recently due to their passive response to external stimuli and manifestation of notable visual color variations. Nonetheless, their development into high-end products has been hindered by unsatisfactory overall performance, characterized by challenges such as the inability to combine color contrast and retention time, poor repeatability, and reliance on a single coloring mode. Herein, we present a negative photochromic cotton fabric (NPCF) capable of real-time dual output of optical signals (color change or fluorescence emission), featuring high color contrast and resolution, excellent reversibility, and facile multicolor printing. These attributes stem from the utilization of a unique photoinduced proton transfer (PPT) strategy exhibited by the designed and synthesized spiropyran sulfonate molecule (MC-NO2). Guided by this strategy, NPCF demonstrates significant color changes and fluorescence switching in a real-time and highly reversible manner, leveraging the remote non-contact and non-destructive nature of visible light. Moreover, direct blending of MC-NO2 with commercially available water-soluble non-stimuli-responsive dyes enables customization of various photosensitive color systems for straightforward multi-color printing, aligning well with the environmental principles of green printing. This study serves as a valuable reference for the advancement and design of diverse high-performance, switchable materials suitable for the production of high-end products.

A 4.7‐inch 650 PPI AMQLED display prepared by direct photolithography

AbstractIn this work, a highly efficient photosensitive quantum dot (QD) system was designed. The optimized photosensitive QD system had high photoluminescence quantum yield and colloidal stability. By direct photolithography, RGB pixel arrays with a single sub‐pixel size of 39 μm × 5 μm were successfully prepared. Further, the full‐color QLED device was realized. There were no residual QD emission peaks from neighboring sub‐pixels observed in the electroluminescence spectra. Experience on the full‐color QLED device guided the successful preparation of a 4.7‐inch 650 PPI active matrix QLED prototype. The active matrix QLED prototype could display clear and complete pictures. The color gamut reached 85% of the BT2020 standard. This is the first active matrix QLED prototype prepared with a record‐high resolution by direct photolithography, which promoted the development of QLED display technology.

From Co-MOF to Co@carbon–comparison of needle-like catalysts in photo-driven hydrogen evolution

In response to the rising demand for catalytic hydrogen production, more attention is focused on noble-metal-free catalysts such as cobalt-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives. Due to the varying activity of cobalt forms in photocatalytic processes, the present study explores the performance of photo-driven hydrogen generation of cobalt nitrilotriacetate (Co-NTA) with metal ions and MOF-derived carbons containing Co/CoOx/CoNx. The needle-like morphology of the obtained Co-NTA template was preserved in carbon materials prepared through carbonization with and without furfuryl alcohol. Carbons featured nitrogen-containing graphitic structures and oxygen functional groups. They were also characterized by a more developed specific surface area and larger pore volume compared to their parent MOF. All materials evolved hydrogen under visible light in a photosensitized system. Owing to the high content of metallic cobalt on the surface of non-impregnated carbon, it produced three times more hydrogen (14.2 mmol g−1) than Co-NTA.

Aqueous-Phase Photoreactions of Mixed Aromatic Carbonyl Photosensitizers Yield More Oxygenated, Oxidized, and less Light-Absorbing Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) than Single Systems.

Aromatic carbonyls have been mainly probed as photosensitizers for aqueous secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA) and light-absorbing organic aerosol (i.e., brown carbon or BrC) formation, but due to their organic nature, they can also undergo oxidation to form aqSOA and BrC. However, photochemical transformations of aromatic carbonyl photosensitizers, particularly in multicomponent systems, are understudied. This study explored aqSOA formation from the irradiation of aromatic carbonyl photosensitizers in mixed and single systems under cloud/fog conditions. Mixed systems consisting of phenolic carbonyls only (VL + ActSyr + SyrAld: vanillin [VL] + acetosyringone [ActSyr] + syringaldehyde [SyrAld]) and another composed of both nonphenolic and phenolic carbonyls (DMB + ActSyr + SyrAld: 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde [DMB], a nonphenolic carbonyl, + ActSyr + SyrAld) were compared to single systems of VL (VL*) and DMB (DMB*), respectively. In mixed systems, the shorter lifetimes of VL and DMB indicate their diminished capacity to trigger the oxidation of other organic compounds (e.g., guaiacol [GUA], a noncarbonyl phenol). In contrast to the slow decay and minimal photoenhancement for DMB*, the rapid photodegradation and significant photoenhancement for VL* indicate efficient direct photosensitized oxidation (i.e., self-photosensitization). Relative to single systems, the increased oxidant availability promoted functionalization in VL + ActSyr + SyrAld and accelerated the conversion of early generation aqSOA in DMB + ActSyr + SyrAld. Moreover, the increased availability of oxidizable substrates countered by stronger oxidative capacity limited the contribution of mixed systems to aqSOA light absorption. This suggests a weaker radiative effect of BrC from mixed photosensitizer systems than BrC from single photosensitizer systems. Furthermore, more oxygenated and oxidized aqSOA was observed with increasing complexity of the reaction systems (e.g., VL* < VL + ActSyr + SyrAld < VL + ActSyr + SyrAld + GUA). This work offers new insights into aqSOA formation by emphasizing the dual role of organic photosensitizers as oxidant sources and oxidizable substrates.

Optoelectronic performance and co-sensitized excited states characteristics of organic dyes with naphthobisthiadiazole and benzothiadiazole

Photosensitizer systems play a crucial role in light absorption and charge transfer processes. Designing and selecting dye molecules with exceptional photoelectric features remains a significant scientific challenge in the realm of solar cell research. The paper explores the photovoltaic properties of two D-A'-π-A dyes (CS-70 and CS-72) both individually and after co-sensitization with chlorophyll derivatives, utilizing density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) methods. The monomeric dye molecules share the same donor and conjugated bridge but differ in their auxiliary receptors (benzothiadiazole and naphthobisthiadiazole). Firstly, the study investigates the impact of various auxiliary acceptors on the properties of the dye molecules by analyzing their geometrical structure, frontier molecular orbitals, spectral properties, chemical reaction parameters, intramolecular charge transfer, electron injection, density of projected states, and dye regeneration. A detailed explanation for the superior performance of CS-72 is provided. Furthermore, a solar cell evaluation model was developed for the short circuit current density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), and photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of the single dye molecule. Subsequently, simulations of the co-sensitized molecules with chlorophyll are performed, focusing on structure, excited state properties and charge transfer, suggesting that co-sensitization enhances spectral properties, light-trapping, and regeneration abilities, and long-range charge transfer between the dye molecules and chlorophyll can be found. The results also demonstrate that the Jsc of the co-sensitized molecules were improved, which facilitates the realization of a higher PCE. This study provides theoretical support for the potential of co-sensitizing dye molecules with chlorophyll to enhance solar cell efficiency, offering valuable insights for the future development of green, cost-effective, and efficient solar cells.

PhotoROMP: The Future Is Bright.

Since the earliest investigations of olefin metathesis catalysis, light has been the choice for controlling the catalyst activity on demand. From the perspective of energy efficiency, temporal and spatial control, and selectivity, photochemistry is not only an attractive alternative to traditional thermal manufacturing techniques but also arguably a superior manifold for advanced applications like additive manufacturing (AM). In the last three decades, pioneering work in the field of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) has broadened the scope of material properties achievable through AM, particularly using light as both an activating and deactivating stimulus. In this Perspective, we explore trends in photocontrolled ROMP systems with an emphasis on approaches to photoinduced activation and deactivation of metathesis catalysts. Recent work has yielded a myriad of commercial and synthetically accessible photosensitive catalyst systems, although comparatively little attention has been paid to achieving precise control over polymer morphology using light. Metal-free, photophysical, and living ROMP systems have also been relatively underexplored. To take fuller advantage of both the thermomechanical properties of ROMP polymers and the operational simplicity of photocontrol, clear directions for the field are to improve the reversibility of activation and deactivation strategies as well as to further develop photocontrolled approaches to tuning cross-link density and polymer tacticity.

Enhancing Precision in Photodynamic Therapy: Innovations in Light-Driven and Bioorthogonal Activation.

Over the past few decades, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has evolved as a minimally invasive treatment modality offering precise control over cancer and various other diseases. To address inherent challenges associated with PDT, researchers have been exploring two promising avenues: the development of intelligent photosensitizers activated through light-induced energy transfers, charges, or electron transfers, and the disruption of photosensitive bonds. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on the bioorthogonal delivery or activation of photosensitizers within tumors, enabling targeted deployment and activation of these intelligent photosensitive systems in specific tissues, thus achieving highly precise PDT. This concise review highlights advancements made over the last decade in the realm of light-activated or bioorthogonal photosensitizers, comparing their efficacy and shaping future directions in the advancement of photodynamic therapy.

Ionic nanosphere as a novel sensitizer for luminescence from terbium(III) ion hybridized by facile ion-exchange process

Abstract Luminescence from terbium(III) species is typically weak due to its low absorption coefficient and slow radiative process despite its advantageous color purity. Hybridizing with a photosensitizer(s) is one of the most popular strategies to obtain intense luminescence from terbium(III) species. We have developed a novel photosensitizing system in which terbium(III) ion is hybridized with the ionic nanosphere, a class of spherical ion-exchange resins with a diameter of &amp;lt;300 nm. Terbium(III)-doped ionic nanospheres successfully exhibited obvious green luminescence upon the photoexcitation of the nanosphere at 260 nm. The terbium(III)–nanosphere hybrids can be prepared by a simple methodology, and sample conditions are controllable facilely.

"Two-Stage Rocket-Propelled" Strategy Boosting Theranostic Efficacy with Mitochondria-Specific Type I-II Photosensitizers.

Imaging-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds great potential for tumor therapy. However, achieving the synergistic enhancement of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency and fluorescence emission of photosensitizers (PSs) remains a challenge, resulting in suboptimal image guidance and theranostic efficacy. The hypoxic tumor microenvironment also hinders the efficacy of PDT. Herein, we propose a "two-stage rocket-propelled" photosensitive system for tumor cell ablation. This system utilizes MitoS, a mitochondria-targeted PS, to ablate tumor cells. Importantly, MitoS can react with HClO to generate a more efficient PS, MitoSO, with a significantly improved fluorescence quantum yield. Both MitoS and MitoSO exhibit less O2-dependent type I ROS generation capability, inducing apoptosis and ferroptosis. In vivo PDT results confirm that this mitochondrial-specific type I-II cascade phototherapeutic strategy is a potent intervention for tumor downstaging. This study not only sheds light on the correlation between the PS structure and the ROS generation pathway but also proposes a novel and effective strategy for tumor downstaging intervention.

The photosensitizer system based on cationic COF carrier with the loading tetraminoporphyrin and its combined antibacterial effect

The 2D covalent organic framework COFTGTp was synthesized and TAPP deposited on it via π–π interactions to form TAPP/COFTGTp. Excellent antibacterial effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was achieved with good biosafety.

Effect of α-methyl on the performance of photocurable 3D printing polyurethane materials

For photosensitive polyurethane systems, reactive diluents are indispensable components whose main role is to reduce the viscosity of the polyurethane prepolymer to meet the requirements of the photocurable 3D printing technology for high fluidity of the precursor solution. Generally, the reactive diluent would be involved in the photocuring reaction, which in turn has a remarkable impact on the mechanical, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamic characteristics of the photosensitive polyurethane system. However, this feature is usually neglected in the study of photosensitive urethane acrylate (PUA) systems, so there is a considerable necessity to investigate the mechanism of active diluents in the photocured reaction of PUA systems. In this work, the effects of α-methyl groups along the chains of diluent molecules on the photoreaction kinetics, photocurable 3D printing, mechanical and mechanical properties, and thermodynamic characteristics of PUAs were investigated employing hydroxyethyl methacrylate and hydroxyethyl acrylate as active diluents, respectively. The relationship between chemical structure and kinetics of PUA systems was also elucidated by using dynamic mechanical analysis tests. The results demonstrated that the α-methyl group blocks the migration of reactive radicals, reduces the efficiency of the photoreaction, and causes an increase in the rigidity and strength of the molecular chain. This study not only revealed the effect of α-methyl on the kinetic mechanical and thermal performance of PUA systems but also paves the way for the development of a new class of photosensitive PUA materials used for the photocurable 3D printing technology.

Alginate–Chitosan Polyelectrolyte Complexes As Carriers for Fluorinated Tetraphenylporphyrin in Photosensitizing Systems of Singlet Oxygen Generation

Water-insoluble photosensitizing (PS) systems active in the generation of singlet 1O2 oxygen are obtained by immobilizing fluorinated tetraphenylporphyrin (FTPP) from a solution in acetone on films of polyelectrolyte complexes based on sodium alginate (SA) and chitosan (CT), and on solid water-insoluble gels of alginate and chitosan. The obtained polymer PS systems are used to establish the intensity of the photoluminescence of singlet oxygen in D2O and the activity of the photocatalytic oxidation of tryptophan in water. It is shown that the photocatalytic activity in the tryptophan oxidation of fluorinated tetraphenylporphyrin immobilized on a SA–CT polyelectrolyte complex and alginate solid gel is higher than that of FTPP immobilized on chitosan solid gel. Spectral-luminescent properties of polysaccharide–FTPP systems and the surface structure of carriers are studied via atomic force microscopy to determine the mechanism of the increase in porphyrin activity when it is fixed on alginate-containing carriers. It is suggested that aspects of the supramolecular structure of solid gels are responsible for the increase in the photocatalytic activity of FTPP upon immobilization on alginate-containing polysaccharide systems.

Study on rheology of a novel UV-light sensitive trimeric anionic–cationic surfactant/trans-o-methoxycinnamic acid micellar system

Abstract Two novel UV photosensitive micellar systems, trimeric dodecyl anionic–cationic surfactant (TDCC)/trans-OMCA, and trimeric cetyl anionic–cationic surfactant (TCCC)/trans-OMCA, were successfully synthesized by using two different carbon chain length trimeric anionic–cationic surfactants (TACS, including TDCC and TCCC) and the photosensitive additive trans-o-methoxycinnamic acid (trans-OMCA). The incorporation of trans-OMCA resulted in a peak in the zero shear viscosity (η 0) of the system at pH = 6.17–6.61. The flow behaviour of the TACS/OMCA system was well described by the Carreau-Yasuda model. Prior to UV irradiation, the TCCC/trans-OMCA system exhibited pronounced shear thinning, thixotropic, and viscoelastic properties. After UV irradiation at 365 nm, the isomerization of trans-OMCA to cis-OMCA caused the disruption of the network structures, leading to a significant decrease in the thixotropic and viscoelastic properties, resulting in a decrease in viscosity. The viscosity reduction rate of the TCCC/trans-OMCA system reached 99 %. The influence of the hydrophobic carbon chain length on the UV responsiveness was also investigated. The TDCC/trans-OMCA system exhibited an 86 % decrease in η 0 after UV irradiation, highlighting the favorable effect of longer hydrophobic tail chains in improving the UV responsiveness of the micellar system. The UV light kinetics of the TCCC/trans-OMCA solution were studied and a rheological model was developed to accurately describe the viscosity changes. The TCCC was found to predominantly exhibit cationic characteristics at pH = 6.17–6.61. In this pH range, the 2 wt% TCCC/0.12 wt% NaSal system exhibited excellent viscoelasticity, and the addition of trans-OMCA disrupted the network structure resulting in a decrease in viscosity. After UV irradiation, the viscosity of the system increased by 2.5 times, confirming the potential of the TCCC/NaSal/trans-OMCA micellar system as a UV thickener.