Stimuli-sensitive biomaterials can present variable and tailored functions under specific external stimuli, thus showing potential for application in various biosciences. Significant efforts have focused on the utilization of light as a stimulus in biomedical applications because of its unique advantages, especially the precise control over its position, movement, and non-contact irradiation. This article highlights the preparation of a photo-reactive oligomer composed of biodegradable moieties and its UV-triggered in-plane molecular orientation, implicating its surface as a potential molecular alignment layer. We focus especially on the alignment of nematic liquid crystalline (LC) molecules on the biodegradable layer with molecular orientation, because they are promising candidates for sensing and interfacial applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.