Brush copolymers have received significant attention over the past decade. The structure

size and shape of these copolymers can be accurately controlled in nanoscale

and their unique structure can lead to unusual hierarchical nano-assemblies in bulk and aqueous medium. Especially it can provide an ideal platform for the study of interaction behavior between solvents and polymers. In this article

we review the concepts

classification

preparation

and application of stimuli-responsive brush copolymers. It was found that dramatic property variations would happen due to small external changes of temperature

pH

and ion concentration. Such property could let stimuli-responsive copolymers have attractive applications in the fields of drug delivery

catalysis

synthesis of nanowire

etc.