Copolymer logical switches adjusted through core–shell micelles: from temperature response to fluorescence response

Abstract

Aqueous solution of micelles prepared from novel PS-b-PNIPAM with fluorescent group CEA at the junction between two blocks displays logical responsive switches on temperature and fluorescence; at lower temperature, stretching of PNIPAM chains causes high mobility of CEA leading to formation of more excimer species; at higher temperature, shrinking of PNIPAM chains isolates the fluorescent groups between the core and shell, resulting in fewer excimer species.