Light-Responsive Block Copolymer Micelles

The association state of light-responsive block copolymer (BCP) micelles in aqueous solution can be altered, often reversibly, by light. Driven by the potential application in controlled drug delivery, this type of stimuli-responsive polymer micelles has received increasing attention. This Perspective highlights the progress achieved in recent years. On the one hand, we discuss the different approaches of rational BCP design, making use of various photochromic moieties and photochemical reactions, and the underlying mechanisms leading to photoinduced disruption of BCP micelles. On the other hand, we suggest possible future directions in this area, including exploration of new mechanisms and chemistry and solutions to the excitation wavelength problem crucial for biomedical applications.