Spiropyran-conjugated pluronic as a dual responsive colorimetric detector

Novel spiropyran-conjugated Pluronic [polyethylene oxide (PEO)-b-polypropylene oxide (PPO)-b-polyethylene oxide (PEO)] micelles are developed as a new colorimetric detector showing photo- or thermo-switchable behavior. Facile conjugation of spiropyran to Pluronic was confirmed by (1)H NMR, UV-Vis, and Fluorescence spectroscopy. A switchable photoluminescence is found depending on the irradiation with either UV or visible light, and temperature resulting from structural isomerization of spiropyran between spiropyran (SP) and merocyanine (MC) form. Cytotoxicity of the spiropyran-conjugated Pluronic (SP-PL) was evaluated following an MTT assay, whereas photo responsiveness of spiropyran within the micelles was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy.