Advanced Materials

An adaptable density gradient multilayer polymerization (DGMP) method facilitates simple fabrication of complex multicompartment scaffolds with structurally continuous interfaces. Solvent density liquid-liquid phase segregation compartmentalizes varied mechanical and chemical cues independently. Bulk photopolymerization produces stratified three-dimensional and two-dimensional matrices. Cells attach to patterned adhesion peptides on biomimetic 2D substrates.

In the presence of oriented smectic liquidcrystal defects, hybrid systems of nanoparticles/liquid crystals form straight chains of nanoparticles of length longer than tens of micrometers and width equal to one single nanoparticle. The interparticle distance in a chain can be varied between a few micrometers and 1.5 nm, highlighting the control of optical absorption by light polarization monitored by gold nanoparticle concentration.

Mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods (Au@SiO₂) are developed as a promising and versatile theranostic platform for cancer treatment. Intracellular localization of Au@SiO₂ is visualized through two-photon imaging. With doxorubicin hydrochloride loaded, Au@SiO₂–DOX show two light-mediated therapeutic modes: low power density laser-triggered drug release for chemotherapy, and high power density laser-induced hyperthermia, which suggest the potential for in-vivo applications.