Photoresponsive Coumarin Polyesters That Exhibit Cross-Linking and Chain Scission Properties

The synthesis and properties of a new class of photoresponsive coumarin polyesters are described. Incorporation of the coumarin chromophore in the polymer chain provides interesting properties such as polymer chain cross-linking upon irradiation at 350 nm and chain un-cross-linking when irradiated at 254 nm. In addition, irradiation at 254 nm also results in polymer chain scission. The cross-linking, un-cross-linking, and chain scission properties were studied by ssNMR, ATR-IR, and GPC measurements. These properties enable the fabrication of 2D surfaces having complementary micropatterned features. Also, initial biocompatibility profiles of the polymers and their irradiation products were demonstrated using MTT assays