Light‐Triggered Multifunctionality at Surfaces Mediated by Photolabile Protecting Groups

Abstract

AbstractPhotoremovable protecting groups (PRPGs) are applied to organic surfaces, thin polymer films, and hydrogels to achieve light‐based remote control of their (bio)chemical and physical properties. These can be localized (i.e. patterned), tunable by exposure dose, and generated on‐demand. Using PRPGs with independent response to different wavelengths, multifunctional materials with a number of individually addressable functional states can be generated. Light‐triggered polymerization, crosslinking, and degradation processes as well as release of attached molecules can be realized. Light‐responsive surfaces and materials based on PRPGs open interesting possibilities for the next generation of instructive materials for cell culture and tissue regeneration.