A NIR-triggered gatekeeper of supramolecular conjugated unimicelles with two-photon absorption for controlled drug release

A near-infrared (NIR)-sensitive gated assembly of supramolecular conjugated unimicelles based on robust host–guest recognition between a β-cyclodextrin-grafted hyperbranched conjugated polymer and azobenzene-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) was constructed. Utilized as a drug carrier, these unimicelles exhibited controlled drug release through the NIR-triggered photoisomerization of azobenzene in cancer cells via a two-photon excited fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TP-FRET) approach, leading to efficient cancer therapy.