Photoresponsive Supramolecular Complexes Based on Host-Guest Interaction Between Poly(lactic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid) Block Copolymer and Different Cyclodextrins

Physically crosslinked supramolecular polymer materials provide a platform for tailoring material properties through non-covalent interactions. In this study, photoresponsive supramolecular complex macromonomers formed through host and guest inclusion between methacryloyl terminated poly(lactic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid) (MPL) copolymer and different cyclodextrins were investigated. The effect of cyclodextrin type on the chemical structure, thermal behaviour, and physicochemical properties of the resulting material, as well as on their photopolymerization process, was systematically studied using FTIR spectroscopy, 1D and 2D proton NMR techniques, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the nature of cyclodextrin affects supramolecular arrangement and influences photo-initiated polymerization. Variation in photoinitiator type and concentration in controlling the polymerization efficiency and their cellular cytocompatibility was evaluated. The finding also shows an impact on the macroscopic properties of the material with the change in cyclodextrin structure. Overall, this work highlights the design of cyclodextrin-mediated supramolecular macromonomer materials and outlines their potential as a tunable photoresponsive material.