Light-triggered multifunctionality at surfaces mediated by photolabile protecting groups.

Photoremovable protecting groups (PRPGs) are applied to organic surfaces, thin polymer films, and hydrogels to achieve light-based remote control of their (bio)chemical and physical properties. These can be localized (i.e. patterned), tunable by exposure dose, and generated on-demand. Using PRPGs with independent response to different wavelengths, multifunctional materials with a number of individually addressable functional states can be generated. Light-triggered polymerization, crosslinking, and degradation processes as well as release of attached molecules can be realized. Light-responsive surfaces and materials based on PRPGs open interesting possibilities for the next generation of instructive materials for cell culture and tissue regeneration.