Spiropyran-Conjugated Pluronic as a Dual Responsive Colorimetric Detector

• Published in: Macromolecular rapid communications. 2012-11, Vol.33 (22), p.1958-1963
• Main Authors: Oh, Yeon Jeong, Nam, Jeong A., Al-Nahain, Abdullah, Lee, Sangkug, In, Insik, Park, Sung Young
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Benzopyrans - chemistry; biocompatibility; Biocompatible Materials - chemical synthesis; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biocompatible Materials - toxicity; Cell Line; Cell Survival - drug effects; Cell Survival - radiation effects; Chemical modifications; Chemical reactions and properties; colorimetric; Exact sciences and technology; Fluorescence; Humans; imaging; Indoles - chemistry; Lasers; Light; Micelles; Microscopy, Confocal; Nitro Compounds - chemistry; Organic polymers; photo-switchable; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polyethylene Glycols - chemical synthesis; Polyethylene Glycols - chemistry; Polyethylene Glycols - toxicity; Propylene Glycols - chemical synthesis; Propylene Glycols - chemistry; Propylene Glycols - toxicity; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; thermo-switchable; Ultraviolet Rays
• ISSN: 1022-1336; 1521-3927
• DOI: 10.1002/marc.201200416

Novel spiropyran‐conjugated Pluronic [polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐b‐polypropylene oxide (PPO)‐b‐polyethylene oxide (PEO)] micelles are developed as a new colorimetric detector showing photo‐ or thermo‐switchable behavior. Facile conjugation of spiropyran to Pluronic was confirmed by 1H NMR, UV–Vis, and Fluorescence spectroscopy. A switchable photoluminescence is found depending on the irradiation with either UV or visible light, and temperature resulting from structural isomerization of spiropyran between spiropyran (SP) and merocyanine (MC) form. Cytotoxicity of the spiropyran‐conjugated Pluronic (SP‐PL) was evaluated following an MTT assay, whereas photo responsiveness of spiropyran within the micelles was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. A biocompatible photo and thermoresponsivespiropyran‐conjugated Pluronic has been synthesized. The spiropyran retains its photochromic properties within the polymer after exposure to different condition. SP form of SP‐PL is colorless but after irradiation with UV–Vis light, it converts to purple‐colored zwitterionic MC form wherein after exposure to heat orange‐colored quoinoidal form is appeared.