Stimuli-responsive polymers are always fascinating for their big changes in microstructure triggered by small changes in the environment. Among the various stimuli, visible light is remarkable for its moderate energy to induce structural change. Selenium-containing polymers are unique candidates among stimuli-responsive polymers. The lower bond energy of the diselenide bond makes diselenide-containing molecules more sensitive to oxidant than their sulfur analogues. In addition, selenium is an essential trace element of the human body that has been widely used in pharmacochemistry.Herein, we report the preparation of a photoresponsive polyelectrolyte multilayer film containing a diselenide functional group using an unconventional layer-by-layer method. The polycation backbone is constructed through copolymerization of di-(1-hydroxylundecyl) diselenide and 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine with 2,4-diisocyanatotoluene. Poly(styrene sulfonate) is selected as the polyanion. The obtained film can be gradually disrupted under the irradiation of mild visible light, and the residue of the film is estimated to be 17% after 5 h of irradiation. The intensity of the visible light can be as low as 50 mW cm-2, which is even weaker than the sunlight. The film proves to be biocompatible, based on MTT assays and further tests. In addition, the film can be used to achieve cargo loading and controlled release. It is highly anticipated that this line of research may lead to further development into a platform for the combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy, especially for applications concerning skin.

Visible-light-induced disruption of diselenide-containing layer-by-layer films

247th National Meeting (2014)

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