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Azobenzene-modified chitosan composites harnessing high-efficiency photosensitive shape memory behaviors
Ziyun Li1, Shuai Yang1, Menghua Hou1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, PR China; Shanxi Center of Technology Innovation for Polyamide Materials, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, PR China.
Carbohydrate Research
|October 18, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed light-responsive chitosan shape memory polymers (SMPs) for smart applications. The novel azobenzene-modified chitosan composites show high shape fixation and recovery rates when triggered by UV light.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Chitosan-based shape memory polymers (SMPs) offer potential for biomedical and packaging uses.
- Current limitations include reliance on solutions and thermal triggers, hindering precise control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop photosensitive SMPs by incorporating light responsiveness into chitosan.
- To create advanced chitosan-based composite films for remote, light-triggered actuation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized azobenzene-modified chitosan (CSM) through a multi-step chemical modification.
- Prepared composite films (CSMCFs) by blending CSM with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA).
- Characterized materials using NMR, FTIR, UV-vis, TGA, and DSC; evaluated photosensitive shape memory performance.
Main Results:
- Confirmed successful synthesis and incorporation of azobenzene groups.
- Optimal CSMCF-3 composites (3/7 CSM/PVA ratio, 0.5% azobenzene) achieved 97.2% shape fixation and 93.3% shape recovery.
- Demonstrated efficient shape recovery within 300 seconds under 365 nm UV light.
Conclusions:
- Developed novel photosensitive chitosan-based shape memory polymer composites.
- These materials exhibit excellent light-triggered shape memory properties.
- High potential for smart packaging and biomedical devices requiring remote actuation.
