Self-Assembly of Photoresponsive Soft Matter

Abstract

Self-assembly is emerging as a superior method to prepare responsive and adaptive nanomaterials. The structure and function of these materials is entirely determined by the dynamic and weak interactions of the constituent molecular “building blocks” of the material. Since the inherent interactions are weak, these versatile materials readily respond to even small changes and stimuli in their environment.

This lecture will highlight our recent work on self-assembled supramolecular nanomaterials that respond to light. In all these nanomaterials, molecular photoswitches are key components. The improved molecular design of photoswitches enables the bottom-up self-assembly of tailor-made functional materials and interfaces that can be manipulated with light. Amongst others, light responsive liquid crystals, adhesives and solids will be discussed. Also the optical manipulation of cell shape with light will be addressed.

Reference

A. Mukherjee, M. Seyfried, and B. J. Ravoo “Azoheteroarene and Diazocine Molecular Photoswitches: Self-Assembly, Responsive Materials and Photopharmacology” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 25, e202304437. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202304437