Dual-Responsive Ultrathin Polymersomes with Reversible Transitions on Acidochromism and Fluorochromism Performances...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing advanced materials for information security is crucial.
• Stimuli-responsive polymers offer unique properties for anticounterfeiting.
• Ultrathin polymersomes (UTPSs) are promising nanostructures for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create dual-responsive UTPSs with reversible color and fluorescence changes.
• To explore their potential for high-level information encryption and anticounterfeiting.
• To investigate stimuli-triggered transitions for advanced security features.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized visible light/pH-responsive azobenzene monomers.
• Crafted side-chain amphiphilic alternating azocopolymers via epoxy-amino click-polycondensation.
• Utilized solution self-assembly to form dual-responsive UTPSs (~253 nm diameter, ~2.1 nm thickness).

Main Results:

• Achieved reversible color changes (yellow to pink) and fluorescence shifts triggered by visible light or pH.
• Demonstrated UTPSs exhibit reversible transitions in shape, size, and physicochemical properties.
• Successfully created a proof-of-concept 2D quick response code using stimuli-chromic UTPSs for multilevel decryption.

Conclusions:

• Dual-responsive UTPSs exhibit repeatable acidochromism and recyclable fluorochromism.
• These UTPSs offer favorable reversibility and recyclability for advanced information security.
• The study provides guidelines for developing stimuli-responsive polymers for complex information encryption.