Light-controlled smart nanotubes based on the orthogonal assembly of two homopolymers

Two homopolymers can orthogonally self-assemble into pseudocopolymer based on terminal host-guest interactions, and these supramolecular copolymers further fabricate one-dimensional nanotubes in water. By applying alternate UV/visible light, the aggregates can reversibly assemble and disassemble by means of the association and disassociation of active connection.