Multifunctional photo- and thermo-responsive copolymer nanoparticles

A novel amphiphilic photochromic copolymer P1-o consisting of a hydrophilic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) backbone and thermally irreversible photochromic and hydrophobic 1,2-dithienylethene derivative pendants was designed, synthesized and used to fabricate self-assembled copolymer nanoparticles in an aqueous condition. The hydrodynamic diameters of the multifunctional copolymer P1-o nanoparticles reversibly switched between two stable states with two stimuli: light and temperature in an aqueous suspension.:Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide