Visible light-induced switching of soft matter materials properties based on thioindigo photoswitches

Sarah L. Walden, Phuong H. D. Nguyen, Hao-Kai Li, Xiaogang Liu, Minh T. N. Le, Loh Xian Jun (), Christopher Barner-Kowollik () and Vinh X. Truong ()
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Sarah L. Walden: Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Phuong H. D. Nguyen: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
Hao-Kai Li: Singapore University of Technology and Design
Xiaogang Liu: Singapore University of Technology and Design
Minh T. N. Le: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
Loh Xian Jun: Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Christopher Barner-Kowollik: Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Vinh X. Truong: Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Thioindigos are visible light responsive photoswitches with excellent spatial control over the conformational change between their trans- and cis- isomers. However, they possess limited solubility in all conventional organic solvents and polymers, hindering their application in soft matter materials. Herein, we introduce a strategy for the covalent insertion of thioindigo units into polymer main chains, enabling thioindigos to function within crosslinked polymeric hydrogels. We overcome their solubility issue by developing a thioindigo bismethacrylate linker able to undergo radical initiated thiol-ene reaction for step-growth polymerization, generating indigo-containing polymers. The optimal wavelength for the reversible trans-/cis- isomerisation of thioindigo was elucidated by constructing a detailed photochemical action plot of their switching efficiencies at a wide range of monochromatic wavelengths. Critically, indigo-containing polymers display significant photoswitching of the materials’ optical and physical properties in organic solvents and water. Furthermore, the photoswitching of thioindigo within crosslinked structures enables visible light induced modulation of the hydrogel stiffness. Both the thioindigo-containing hydrogels and photoswitching processes are non-toxic to cells, thus offering opportunities for advanced applications in soft matter materials and biology-related research.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44128-8

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