H Zhao, Elizabeth Sterner, E. Coughlin
Jan 26, 2012
Citations
3
Influential Citations
429
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Macromolecules
Abstract
Polymers featuring photolabile groups are the subject of intense research because they allow the alteration of polymer properties simply by irradiation. In particular, the o-nitrobenzyl group (o-NB) is utilized frequently in polymer and materials science. This Perspective pays particular attention to the increasing utilization of this chemical group in polymer chemistry. It covers the use of (i) o-NB-based cross-linkers for photodegradable hydrogels, (ii) o-NB side chain functionalization in (block) copolymers, (iii) o-NB side chain functionalization for thin film patterning, (iv) o-NB for self-assembled monolayers, (v) photocleavable block copolymers, and (vi) photocleavable bioconjugates. We conclude with an outlook on new research directions in this rapidly expanding area.