A cyanostilbene-based amphiphile (CS) was synthesized, which could self-assemble into non-emissive bilayer vesicles and ultra-thin ribbons. Cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) could form an inclusion complex with CS with a significant hypochrome effect, giving a strong blue emission from non-emissive species. CS underwent photoisomerization induced by light irradiation, which allowed the membrane contraction into smaller vesicles.
![Graphical abstract: Light and cucurbit[7]uril complexation dual-responsiveness of a cyanostilbene-based self-assembled system](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/C5NR07873C.jpg)