Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Facile Synthesis of Worm-like Micelles by Visible Light Mediated Dispersion Polymerization Using Photoredox Catalyst
Published on: June 8, 2016
Light-responsive CO2 bubble-generating polymeric micelles for tumor cell ablation
Yifan Zhang1, Yuncai Guan1, Sizhan Ge1
1State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology , Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing 210093 , China . Email: wuj@nju.edu.cn ;
Researchers developed a novel UV-responsive polymeric micelle that generates carbon dioxide (CO2) bubbles. This self-decomposing nanocarrier effectively ablates tumor cells in vitro using only light, eliminating the need for drugs.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Polymeric micelles are widely investigated as drug delivery systems.
- Photodynamic therapy often requires photosensitizers and light for tumor treatment.
- Developing novel stimuli-responsive nanocarriers is crucial for targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a UV-responsive polymeric micelle system for tumor treatment.
- To investigate the self-decomposition of the micelle into carbon dioxide (CO2) bubbles upon UV exposure.
- To evaluate the efficacy of drug-free micelle-mediated tumor cell ablation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a UV-responsive polymeric micelle system incorporating a coumarin ester derivative.
- Investigation of the photolysis mechanism of the coumarin ester (7-diethylaminocoumarin-4-yl)methyl (DEACM) under UV irradiation.
- In vitro evaluation of cell death induced by UV-irradiated micelles without drug loading.
Main Results:
- A novel UV-responsive polymeric micelle system was successfully developed.
- The micelle system demonstrated photolysis of the coumarin ester upon UV exposure, generating CO2 bubbles.
- Significant in vitro tumor cell death was observed after only 8 seconds of UV irradiation, without any loaded drugs.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first instance of using light-induced decomposition of a nanocarrier itself into CO2 bubbles for tumor cell ablation.
- The developed UV-responsive micelle system offers a novel, drug-free approach for cancer therapy.
- This technology holds potential for developing innovative photothermal or photodynamic therapies.
More Related Videos
08:28Synthesis of Phase-shift Nanoemulsions with Narrow Size Distributions for Acoustic Droplet Vaporization and Bubble-enhanced Ultrasound-mediated Ablation
Published on: September 13, 2012
10:53Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions
Published on: October 10, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light
Excess Pressure Inside a Drop and a Bubble
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)
Actin Polymerization
The nucleation phase involves forming a stable nucleus consisting of three actin monomers to form a new actin filament. Actin-binding proteins such as formins and Arp2/3 complex help filament growth post-nucleation. The Formins form straight...
Light Acquisition