Being Smarter, Azobenzene-Containing Biomaterial Showing Triple Stimuli-Responsive Phase Change Property to Light,...

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Multiple stimuli-responsive materials are crucial for advanced functionalities.
• Isothermal, multiple stimuli-responsive phase changes at room temperature are underexplored in functional materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel triple stimuli-responsive phase change biomaterial (Alg-AZO).
• To investigate the material's response to light, humidity, and shear force at room temperature.
• To explore its potential in biological and biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Alg-AZO via electrostatic complexation of alginate with an azobenzene-containing surfactant (AZO).
• Characterization of phase transitions induced by light (photoisomerization) and humidity.
• Evaluation of shear force-induced transitions and assessment of biocompatibility and self-healing properties.

Main Results:

• Alg-AZO exhibits reversible isothermal phase transitions between liquid crystalline and isotropic liquid states under light or humidity.
• The material demonstrates a fast transition from a humidity-induced isotropic state to an ordered state upon application of shear force.
• The developed biomaterial shows good biocompatibility, self-healing properties, and promotes wound healing in vivo.

Conclusions:

• Alg-AZO is a novel triple stimuli-responsive biomaterial capable of isothermal phase transitions at room temperature.
• The material's unique responsiveness to light, humidity, and force opens new avenues for smart biomaterials.
• This work provides a strategy for designing stimuli-responsive smart materials based on biomacromolecules for diverse applications.