Analyzing Photoresponsive Side Chain Dendritic Polyesters (SCDPE) Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

Polymers containing dendrimer wedges and azobenzene photoresponsive moieties were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM). These photoresponsive polyesters were polymerized by condensation of a diacylchloride azobenzene with a uniquely designed polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer wedge diol. AFM studies of individual chains supported on a mica substrate revealed surface morphology changes in response to irradiation. The polymer chains formed disc-like structures on the surface. The AFM studies indicated a decrease in the thickness of the polymer discs upon irradiation which correlated with the azobenzene photoisomerization studies carried out in polymer solutions. Future work will focus on converting the photoresponsive effects of azobenzene molecule into a physical mechanical response.