During my PhD I aim to obtain conformational control over the folding of amphiphilic polymeric nanoparticles. These nanoparticles comprise copolymers with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic side-grafts. Due to solvophobic interactions, the polymer folds onto itself, creating a nanoparticle with a hydrophobic pocket. Even though their folding has been well-studied, there is no control yet on their unfolding. In my project, I aim to incorporate light-responsive functional groups in the nanoparticles to obtain control over its conformational properties in aqueous solutions. This additional level of control will eventually be used for applications in the probing of cellular interactions.