Polymeric micelles with photo-activated proton release behavior for enhanced tumor extracellular pH targeting and drug release

•New photo-regulated tumor extracellular pH targeting strategy was developed.•Polymeric micelles with light-activated proton release were constructed.•The photolysis of micellesunder UV-stimulus was accompanied by proton release.•The UV irradiated micelles could trigger the aggregation of non-irradiated micelles.•The micelles showed the potential in the design of the tumor extracellular pH targeting.