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Optically Driven Encapsulation Using Novel Polymeric Hollow Shells Containing an Azobenzene Polymer
Author(s) -
Bédard Matthieu,
Skirtach Andre G.,
Sukhorukov Gleb. B.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.200700257
Subject(s) - azobenzene , polymer , materials science , polyelectrolyte , thermal stability , chemical engineering , encapsulation (networking) , macromolecule , molecule , irradiation , polymer chemistry , chemistry , composite material , organic chemistry , computer network , biochemistry , computer science , engineering , physics , nuclear physics
A novel method of macromolecule encapsulation using micron‐sized polymeric shells constructed with a photoactive azobenzene containing polyelectrolyte is discussed. Fluorescently labeled dextran molecules were encapsulated using light to remotely shrink and change the wall permeability of new polymeric hollow shells. We observed that the proportion of shells with dye encapsulated increased along with the duration of irradiation. Electron microscopy imaging illustrated significant changes in the surface roughness of shells after being exposed to light. Finally, this new system was shown to possess a high thermal stability.