Photoresponsive Molecules and Materials - Controlling Chemistry and Biochemistry, Sensing and Imaging

该提案描述了将如何开发对光做出反应并随后执行重要功能的分子和纳米材料。这些项目利用光来可逆地改变分子结构，从而改变分子或材料的光学、电子和机械特性。项目实例包括（1）控制化学和生物化学反应性，（2）改变聚合物材料的性能，（3）检测分析物的存在或环境中的变化，（4）控制光学成像，以及（5）提供新的方法从设计纳米颗粒表面释放分子。可能受到影响的应用领域包括催化和化学加工、自愈聚合物、药物输送、生物成像以及检测和跟踪。

This proposal describes how molecular and nanomaterials that respond to light and subsequently perform important functions ‘on-command’ will be developed. The projects use light to reversibly change molecular structure and consequently optical, electronic and mechanical properties of molecules or materials. Project examples include (1) controlling chemical and biochemical reactivity, (2) modifying the performance of polymeric materials, (3) detecting the presence of analytes or changes in the environment, (4) controlling optical imaging, and (5) providing novel means to release molecules from the surface of designer nanoparticles. Application areas that will be potentially impacted include catalysis and chemical processing, self-healing polymers, drug-delivery, bio-imaging, and detection and tracking.