Abstract A thermo-, pH-and cyclodextrin-(CD) responsive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)( PNIPAM), with a N, N-dimethylaminoazobenzene end group was synthesized. Using 3- mercaptopropionic acid as a chain transfer agent, PNIPAM with a well-defined COOH end group was obtained. The acid end group was transferred to the corresponding acid chloride and then functionalized with N, N-dimethyl [4-(4'-aminophenylazo) phenyl] amine. This ...