Photoresponsive amphiphiles based on azobenzene-dendritic glycerol conjugates show switchable transport behavior

Abstract

The synthesis and aggregation behavior of photo-switchable, nonionic dendritic amphiphiles was investigated with regard to transport and release of guest molecules. The correlation between the critical micelle concentration and the switching ability is shown.

Towards engineering of self-assembled nanostructures using non-ionic dendritic amphiphiles

“…17 They have been investigated for biomedical applications as nanocarriers for hydrophobic drug molecules, gene therapy etc. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] However, studies on parameters which influence their self-assembly have not been attempted very much. In general, there are several factors that govern the self-assembly of amphiphiles, for example, hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), choice of solvent, etc.…”

Photoresponsive assemblies of linear-dendritic copolymers containing azobenzene in the dendron interior: the effect of the dendron structure on dye encapsulation and release

“…35 A shoulder at 350 nm suggested the presence of free azobenzene that is, azobenzene units that were not part of H-type aggregates. 39 Next, we investigated the reverse process, that is, cis-to-trans isomerisation of azobenzene by irradiating with visible light (450 nm, 6 W). 26,36,37 Irradiation of P3 solution at 365 nm resulted in decrease of absorbance of 308 nm and 350 nm peaks and increase in the absorbance at 450 nm peak indicating trans-cis isomerisation of free as well as bound (H-aggregate) azobenzene chromophores.…”

The peculiarities of the photoorientation processes in azobenzene-containing liquid crystalline homo- and co-dendrimers

“…One of the most promising substances designed in order to obtain smart materials are dendrimers, high-molecular mass compounds having superbranched molecular structure predetermining their unique physico-chemical properties [1]. Introduction of photochromic moieties into the central core, dendrimer matrix or as terminal groups enables to create a huge variety of new photoresponsive materials which can be used for regulated drug delivery, development of new types of biosensors, optoelectronics, etc [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”