Photocontrolled reversible supramolecular assemblies of a diblock azo-copolymer based on β-cyclodextrin–Azo host–guest inclusion complexation

The double hydrophobic block copolymer, poly[6-(4-(phenyldiazenyl)phenoxy)hexyl acrylate]-b-polystyrene (PAzo-b-PS), was synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. This hydrophobic block copolymer can self-assemble into spherical micelles through β-cyclodextrin–azobenzene (β-CD–Azo) host–guest inclusion. Furthermore, the spherical micelles can be dissociated and reassembled by alternating irradiation of UV/visible light. These supramolecular self-assembly and disassembly procedures were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Vis spectra.