Multiswitchable photoacid–hydroxyflavylium–polyelectrolyte nano-assemblies

In the article “Multiswitchable photoacid–hydroxyflavylium–polyelectrolyte nano-assemblies” Alexander Zika and Franziska Gröhn describe the development of a novel reversible multi-switchable system consisting of a cationic polyelectrolyte, a hydroxyflavylium molecule (Flavy), and a photoacid.*

Ternary assemblies with sizes in the hundred-to-few hundred nanometers range in aqueous solution exhibit a multi-addressable size and shape.*

The concept exploits the unique property of the photoacid to form a more highly charged molecule and to switch the Flavy molecule in the same step when excited by light irradiation.*

Due to the network of possible reactions of Flavy, self-assembly can be accessed and triggered in a number of ways.*

While their study focused on the first proof of concept and the relation of molecular and nanoscale switching, a deeper understanding of the molecular binding effects may be considered in future studies.*

The type of the photoacid-based assembly presented in the article bears potential, for example, for delivery where the assembly property changes may provide a desirable transformable platform for tunable and smart transport.*

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) with NanoWorld Ultra-short Cantilevers USC-F0.3-k0.3 in tapping mode was used to investigate the structure.*

Figure 6 from “Multiswitchable photoacid–hydroxyflavylium–polyelectrolyte nano-assemblies” by Alexander Zika and Franziska Gröhn: Comparison of cycle I and cycle II in AFM.

*Alexander Zika and Franziska Gröhn
Multiswitchable photoacid–hydroxyflavylium–polyelectrolyte nano-assemblies
Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 166–185.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3762/bjoc.17.17

Please follow this external link to read the full article: https://www.beilstein-journals.org/bjoc/articles/17/17

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