Otsuka, Issei

International audienceThere are continued challenges for the effective utilization of biomass towards functional materials and reduction of environmental burdens. Polysaccharides in particular, represented by cellulose, are one of the most abundant raw materials from nature. The spotlight has been on not only their potential as alternatives for petrochemicals but also their biocompatible, biodegradable, and bioactive nature. Besides, stimuli-responsive polymers have been intensively studied since the behavior of these polymers can be controlled by simply changing their surrounding media. Among a variety of stimuli-responsive polymers, photo-responsive polymers have recently attracted much attention since the stimulus (light) can be localized in time and space and it can also be triggered from outside the system. In this study, electrospinning of a photo-responsive azobenzene-functionalized cellulose derivative (Azo-Cel) was investigated for the first time. UV-vis absorption spectral analysis of Azo-Cel solution confirms successful reversible cis/trans isomerization of the azobenzene moiety via photo-irradiation and thermal relaxation. The electrospinning of Azo-Cel solutions in mixtures of high-volatile and low-volatile solvents provides porous/non-porous nano/micro fibers depending on the volatility of the solvent. These novel cellulose-based robust fibrous materials, with light-addressable functional groups, will open up the potential of natural resources towards state-of-the-art stimuli-responsive materials for applications such as photo-responsive actuators

Electrospinning of a Photo-responsive Cellulose Derivative: Towards Smart Fibrous Materials

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