Dynamically controlled construction of microstructures based on photo-induced phase transition of a spirobenzopyran-modified polymer solution

Dynamically controlled construction of microstructures was demonstrated using a spirobenzopyran-containing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). Under patterned light irradiation, the polymer accumulated at the irradiated area from a uniformly dissolved state and formed micro-patterned structures based on phase transition. Furthermore the microstructures were collapsed due to redissolution of the precipitated polymer when light irradiation was stopped.