Rapid controlled release by photo-irradiation using morphological changes in micelles formed by amphiphilic lophine dimers

Photo-induced rapid control of molecular assemblies, such as micelles and vesicles, enables effective and on-demand release of drugs or active components, with applications such as drug delivery systems (DDS) and cosmetics. Thus far, no attempts to optimize the responsiveness of photoresponsive molecular assemblies have been published. We previously reported photoresponsive surfactants bearing a lophine dimer moiety that exhibit fast photochromism in confined spaces, such as inside a molecular assembly. However, rapid control of the micelle structures and solubilization capacity have not yet been demonstrated. In the present work, photo-induced morphological changes in micelles were monitored using in-situ small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy. An amphiphilic lophine dimer (3TEG-LPD) formed elliptical micelles. These were rapidly elongated by ultraviolet light irradiation, which could be reversed by dark treatment, both within 60 s. For a solution of 3TEG-LPD micelles solubilizing calcein as a model drug molecule, fluorescence and SANS measurements indicated rapid release of the incorporated calcein into the bulk solvent under UV irradiation. Building on these results, we investigated rapid controlled release via hierarchical chemical processes: photoisomerization, morphological changes in the micelles, and drug release. This rapid controlled release system allows for effective and on-demand DDS.