Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has cross-linked network structures and its properties have been regarded as dimensionally independent. Here we demonstrate that both the mechanical strength and the Young's modulus of the PDMS membranes are thickness dependent and the transition from bulk behavior to dimension dependent is predicted to occur at a membrane thickness of about 200 μm. The thickness-dependent phenomenon is attributed to shear stress during fabrication, which is proportional to the thickness-induced reorder of polymer chain coils to form stronger cross-linked networks.

Engineering of smart photoactivated nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) has recently attracted considerable research interest as light enables precise and accurate controlled release of drug molecules in specific diseased cells and/or tissues in a highly spatial and temporal manner. In general, the development of appropriate light‐triggered DDS relies on processes of photolysis, photoisomerization, photo‐cross‐linking/un‐cross‐linking, and photoreduction, which are normally sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) or visible (Vis) light irradiation. Considering the issues of poor tissue penetration and high phototoxicity of these high‐energy photons of UV/Vis light, recently nanocarriers have been developed based on light‐response to low‐energy photon irradiation, in particular for the light wavelengths located in the near infrared (NIR) range. NIR light‐triggered drug release systems are normally achieved by using two‐photon absorption and photon upconversion processes. Herein, recent advances of light‐responsive nanoplatforms for controlled drug release are reviewed, covering the mechanism of light responsive small molecules and polymers, UV and Vis light responsive nanocarriers, and NIR light responsive nanocarriers. NIR‐light triggered drug delivery by two‐photon excitation and upconversion luminescence strategies is also included. In addition, the challenges and future perspectives for the development of light triggered DDS are highlighted.

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Aliphatic polycarbonates have attracted significant attention for biomedical application over the last few years due to their biodegradability, low toxicity and good biocompatibility.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), including single-walled CNT (SWCNT) and multi-walled CNT (MWCNT), have been regarded as the stiffest and strongest materials ever developed and are promising reinforcement fillers for developing nanocomposites. However, the scientific community has been puzzled about the reinforcement efficiency. Here we report CNT-reinforced nickel nanocomposites fabricated with an innovative electrochemical co-deposition process for achieving good interfacial bonding between CNT and metallic matrices. Test results show that Ni/SWCNT composite produces a tensile strength as high as 2 GPa, which is more than three times stronger than that of pure nickel. The mechanical strength of Ni/CNT nanocomposites is dependent on CNT addition, while the fracture strain remains similar or better than that of pure nickel. The good reinforcement of CNT/metal nanocomposites is attributed to the good interfacial bonding as well as the stiffer matrix nature.