Red-light driven photoisomerisation and supramolecular transformation of indigo amphiphiles in aqueous media

Photoresponsive amphiphiles are functionalised with photoactivating units, enabling dynamic controls of hier-archical supramolecular systems with a non-invasive photo-stimulation. Limited visible-light driven photo -responsive amphiphiles were developed, while biomedical applications of well-developed UV-light driven photoresponsive amphiphiles are hindered due to bio-damaging effect. Herein, we report newly designed red-light responsive N, N & PRIME;-alkyl-aryl-substituted indigo amphiphiles (IA), showing excellent photoswitchability and photostability in organic media. Upon dissolution of IA in aqueous media, supramolecular nanostructures are constructed at pH 7. Though photoresponsiveness of IA is slightly compromised, co-solvent and co-assembly of IA enable supramolecular transformations from vesicle to irregular aggregate in aqueous media. Through investi-gation of the photoisomerisation and supramolecular transformation processes, this work could provide as a new strategy towards the development of red-light controlled biomedical soft functional materials.

Automated summary

This study reports the newly designed red-light responsive N, N’-alkyl-aryl-substituted indigo amphiphiles, which exhibit excellent photoswitchability and photostability in organic media. When dissolved in aqueous media at pH 7, supramolecular nanostructures are constructed. Although the photoresponsiveness of these amphiphiles is slightly compromised, the co-solvent and co-assembly enable supramolecular transformations from vesicles to irregular aggregates in water. This work could provide a new strategy for the development of red-light controlled biomedical soft functional materials.