Photo-responsive properties of poly(NIPAM-co-AAc) microgel particles with absorbed, hydrophobically modified organic salts

► UV irradiation triggered the release of an amphiphile from a microgel dispersion. ► The release of an amphiphile is reversible. ► The azobenzene-based amphiphile undergoes trans to cis isomerization. ► The cmc of the amphiphile increases significantly upon UV irradiation.