Recent Advances in Amphiphilic Photoresponsive Polymers: Toward Their Potential Use in Controlled Release Fertilizer

Photoresponsive polymers have emerged as a dynamic class of materials exhibiting a response to light. On the other hand, amphiphilic polymers are materials possessing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic sides in their macromolecular structure. The particularity of amphiphilic polymers is that they can simultaneously interact with hydrophobic and hydrophilic environments, leading to self‐assembly. The combination of these intriguing photosensitive and amphiphilic properties has spurred the development of amphiphilic photoresponsive polymers with adaptable features. Exposure to light triggers changes in the polymers’ properties, which can be exploited to influence the formation and stability of diverse nanoscale structures such as core–shell micelles, worm‐like micellar assemblies, vesicles, and other complex macromolecular architectures. This precise control over polymer behavior has propelled these materials to the forefront of research and innovation. This review sheds light and classifies the main photosensitive chemical groups used to design such photoresponsive polymers. Furthermore, a concise overview and a discussion about the synthesis pathways of photoresponsive polymers, with or without amphiphilic behavior, are presented, followed by a projection of potential opportunities raised by these polymers to improve controlled agrochemicals release area.