A review on applications of coumarin and its derivatives in preparation of photo-responsive polymers

Photoresponsive polymers have garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in a wide range of fields, from self-healing materials to drug delivery systems. Coumarin, a versatile compound, has emerged as a key component in the design of photoresponsive polymers. Coumarins unique photochemical properties, such as its ability to undergo dimerization upon exposure to UV light, make it an attractive candidate for triggering controlled changes in polymer structure and behavior. The incorporation of coumarin moieties into polymer chains enables the modulation of self-assembly mechanisms, leading to tunable and reversible material properties. Researchers have investigated the impact of coumarin on the responsiveness of these polymers to external stimuli, particularly light. Through careful design and synthesis, coumarin-based photoresponsive polymers have demonstrated impressive capabilities, including dynamic changes in solubility, morphology, and mechanical properties upon UV irradiation. This review article sheds light on the recent advancements in understanding the role of coumarin in self-assembly processes within photoresponsive polymers, providing insights into the potential applications of these materials in fields like smart coatings, Self-healing coatings, soft robotic, ink, finger print, sensors, and drug delivery systems.