(324e) Reactivity-Property Relationships in Photocontrolled Polymer Networks

In polymer networks based on dynamic covalent bonds, changes in reactivity can be translated into macroscopic responses. Light offers precise, tunable, and noninvasive spatiotemporal control over molecular reactivity. In polymer networks based on dynamic covalent bonds, these changes in reactivity can be translated into macroscopic responses. The Kalow lab has designed crosslinks that allow us to tune the thermodynamics and kinetics of dynamic covalent bonds with light, including visible light, based on the conformation of an adjacent photoswitch. When incorporated into polymer networks, the stability or lifetime of these dynamic covalent bonds can be tuned with light. I will discuss our efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying these macroscopic changes, as well as rational optimization of the photoswitch to enable applications in 3D cell cultures and recyclable elastomers.