Photoinduced phase transition between vesicles and coacervates using low-molecular-weight catanionic amphiphiles

Amphiphiles form various molecular self-assemblies in the aqueous phase, such as vesicles and coacervates, depending on molecular properties. Recently, phase transitions between vesicles and coacervates have drawn much attention because the switching between “closed” and “open” compartments could achieve the controllability of molecular sequestrations. We expect that the photoinduced drastic change in the molecular structure of catanionic amphiphiles comprising azobenzene-containing cationic amphiphiles (Azo) and anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate causes the transition. Self-assemblies prepared by a thin-film hydration method were observed using microscopy under UV and subsequent visible-light illumination. Additionally, investigation of selectivity for molecular sequestration and assay of enzymatic reactions in the self-assemblies were conducted. Photoinduced reversible phase transitions between vesicles and coacervates occurred owing to the photoisomerization of Azo. The formed coacervates had selectivity for molecular sequestration. Additionally, the transition achieved fusion of different vesicles via coacervates. Although coacervates are generally known to facilitate enzymatic reactions, the reactions were inhibited in the presence of the formed self-assemblies due to the deactivation of enzymes. Our results represent rapid and non-invasive systems of reversible vesicle–coacervate transitions. Furthermore, the findings provide a new aspect of coacervates in which catanionic low-molecular-weight amphiphiles could act as suppressors of chemical reactions.