Controlled self-assembly into diverse stimuli-responsive microstructures: from microspheres to branched cylindrical micelles and vesicles

A series of amphiphilic PDMAEMA-SS-PCL chains with variable ratios of hydrophilic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) to hydrophobic poly( -caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared via ring-opening polymerization, in which the two different moieties were linked via a disulfide bond with reduction responsiveness. After cross-linking by the photodegradable o -nitrobenzyl linkage, the amphiphilic chains could self-assemble into microspheres, branched cylindrical micelles and vesicles, which were responsive to the reduction agent dl -dithiothreitol and UV light irradiation through different mechanisms. A series of cross-linked amphiphilic PDMAEMA-SS-PCL were prepared, which could self-assemble into diverse microstructures with reduction and light responsiveness.