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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy of Plant Roots Growing on the Surface of a Gel

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Published on: January 18, 2017

Toward Dynamic Liquid Cell Scaffold: Photoreversible Ion Gels Exhibiting Light-Induced Sol-Gel Transitions.

Aya Saruwatari^1,2, Yuji Kamiyama¹, Ryota Tamate¹

¹Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.

Macromolecular Rapid Communications

|January 28, 2026

Summary

Researchers developed a novel light-programmable ion gel that enables reversible sol-gel transitions in aqueous environments. This material prevents polymer dissolution, offering potential for advanced mechanobiology applications.

Keywords:

azobenzene block copolymers gels ionic liquids mechanobiology photoreversible gelation stimuli responsive materials

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Published on: April 11, 2017

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
Biotechnology

Background:

Conventional hydrogels face challenges with reversible sol-gel transitions in open aqueous systems due to polymer dissolution.
Achieving stable, reversible phase transitions requires preventing network disassembly and component diffusion.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a proof-of-concept for reversible sol-gel transitions using a water-immiscible ionic liquid (IL) phase.
To develop a photoreversible ion gel capable of light-induced sol-gel switching.
To demonstrate the potential of this material for next-generation mechanobiology.

Main Methods:

Integration of an ABC triblock copolymer with a tunable blend of non-cytotoxic ILs.
Utilizing a photoresponsive polymer block with azobenzene for light-controlled self-assembly.
Employing time-resolved rheology to confirm reversible sol-gel transitions under UV-vis illumination.

Main Results:

A photoreversible ion gel was successfully created, exhibiting reversible sol-gel switching under light.
The ion gel demonstrated repeated crossings of the rheological boundary (tan δ ∼ 1) with alternating UV-vis light at 52°C.
The material showed cytocompatibility, with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) adhering and spreading on the gel at 37°C.

Conclusions:

The developed light-programmable, water-immiscible ion gel overcomes limitations of conventional hydrogels for reversible phase transitions.
The material's ability to switch between liquid and solid states under light control makes it suitable for advanced mechanobiology.
This ion gel system offers a promising platform for creating dynamic, responsive biomaterials.