Orthogonal chain collapse in stimuli-responsive di-block polymers leading to self-sorted nanostructures

We design amphiphilic di-block copolymers ( P- b -F and P- b -C ) tethered with stimuli-responsive ferrocene and coumarin hydrophobic pendants that exhibit chain collapse behaviour in response to light, redox and chemical cues, with subsequent transformation of the vesicles into micelles. Interestingly, the co-assembled vesicles of the polymer blend under orthogonal stimuli furnish self-sorted micelles and vesicles. Di-block copolymers ( P- b -C and P- b -F ) self-assemble into vesicles that transform into micelles under external stimuli. Co-assembled vesicles of the polymers under orthogonal light and redox cues furnished self-sorted vesicles and micelles.