Supramolecular Nanosystem Based on Pillararene-Capped CuS Nanoparticles for Targeted Chemo-Photothermal Therapy

Nanomaterials for Photothermal Antimicrobial Surfaces

Microbial infection diseases are a major threat to human health and have become one of the main causes of mortality. The search for novel antimicrobial strategies is an important challenge for the scientific community, considering also the constant increase of antimicrobial resistance and the rise of new diseases. Among the new strategies to combat microbial infections, the photothermal effect seems to be one of the most promising. Hyperthermia is an effective and broad spectrum strategy for the removal of microbial infections. Among all of the strategies to reduce the diffusion of microbial infections, the preparation of antimicrobial surfaces seems of primary importance. In many cases, in fact, an infection can be diffused through surfaces just by touching them, or by inoculating microbes through an internalizable device, such as an implant, a prosthesis, or a catheter. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances in the preparation of photothermal antibacterial surfaces.

Effect of PVP Molecular Weights on the Synthesis of Ultrasmall Cus Nanoflakes: Synthesis, Properties, and Potential Application for Phototheranostics

Copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS) hold tremendous potential for applications in photothermal therapy (PTT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). However, the conventional chemical coprecipitation method often leads to particle agglomeration issues. To overcome this challenge, we utilized polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent, resulting in the synthesis of small PVP-CuS nanoparticles named PC10, PCK30, and PC40. Our study aimed to investigate how different molecular weights of PVP influence the nanoparticles' crystalline characteristics and essential properties, especially their photoacoustic and photothermal responses. While prior research on PVP-assisted CuS nanoparticles has been conducted, our study delves deeper into this area, providing insights into optical properties. Remarkably, all synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a crystalline structure, were smaller than 10 nm, and featured an absorbance peak at 1020 nm, indicating their robust photoacoustic and photothermal capabilities. Among these nanoparticles, PC10 emerged as the standout performer, displaying superior photoacoustic properties. Our photothermal experiments demonstrated significant temperature increases in all cases, with PC10 achieving an impressive efficiency of 51%. Moreover, cytotoxicity assays revealed the nanoparticles' compatibility with cells, coupled with an enhanced incidence of apoptosis compared to necrosis. These findings underscore the promising potential of PVP-stabilized CuS nanoparticles for advanced cancer theranostics.

Near-infrared-responsive GE11-CuS@Gal nanoparticles as an intelligent drug release system for targeting therapy against oral squamous cell carcinoma

Galangin (Gal) is a natural plant flavonoid. More and more evidence shows that Gal can achieve anti-tumor effects by regulating various mechanisms. However, its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and insufficient lesion targeting limit its clinical application. To overcome these shortcomings, we designed and developed a mesoporous nanosystem (GE11-CuS) that actively located the target area and photo-controlled drug release, which promoted the rapid accumulation of drugs in tumor tissues under NIR irradiation, thus achieving positive effects against cancer. In this study, we explored the application of the Gal-loaded nanometer system (GE11-CuS@Gal) in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) both in vitro and in vivo. The results exhibited that GE11-CuS@Gal had excellent targeting ability and could accumulate efficiently in tumor cells (HSC-3). Meanwhile, the temperature of GE11-CuS@Gal increasing rapidly under NIR illumination damaged the integrity of the carrier and allowed Gal molecules to escape from the pores of the nanoparticles. When the accumulation of Gal in the nidus reached a certain level, the intracellular ROS level could be significantly increased and the antioxidative stress pathway mediated by Nrf2/OH-1 was effectively blocked, to inhibit the growth and migration of tumors. In conclusion, the GE11-CuS improved the antitumor activity of Gal in the body, which laid a foundation for the treatment of OSCC with traditional Chinese medicine ingredients.

Applications of supramolecular assemblies in drug delivery and photodynamic therapy

One of the world's serious health challenges is cancer. Anti-cancer agents delivered to normal cells and tissues pose several problems and challenges. In this connection, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic technique used for selectively destroying malignant cells while sparing the normal tissues. Development in photosensitisers (PSs) and light sources have to be made for PDT as a first option treatment for patients. In the pursuit of developing new attractive molecules and their formulations for PDT, researchers are working on developing such type of PSs that perform better than those being currently used. For the widespread clinical utilization of PDT, effective PSs are of particular importance. Host-guest interactions based on nanographene assemblies such as functionalized hexa-cata-hexabenzocoronenes, hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes and coronene have attracted increasing attention owing to less complicated synthetic steps and purification processes (gel permeation chromatography) during fabrication. Noncovalent interactions provide easy and facile approaches for building supramolecular PSs and enable them to have sensitive and controllable photoactivities, which are important for maximizing photodynamic effects and minimizing side effects. Various versatile supramolecular assemblies based on cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, calixarenes, porphyrins and pillararenes have been designed in order to make PDT an effective therapeutic technique for curing cancer and tumours. The supramolecular assemblies of porphyrins display efficient electron transfer and fluorescence for use in bioimaging and PDT. The multifunctionalization of supramolecular assemblies is used for designing biomedically active PSs, which are helpful in PDT. It is anticipated that the development of these functionalized supramolecular assemblies will provide more fascinating advances in PDT and will dramatically expand the potential and possibilities in cancer treatments.

Nano-injectable pH/NIR-responsive hydrogel for chemo-photothermal synergistic drug delivery

Conventional cancer treatments are highly toxic and ineffective; therefore, it is essential to develop less toxic and minimally invasive treatment methods. A pH/Near Infra-red (NIR) dual-responsive, nano-injectable smart hydrogel was fabricated by incorporating CuS nanoparticles into the hydrogel networks formed by a random copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and double-bond functionalized uracil. Microstructural characterizations of synthesized polymer and hydrogels were carried out using transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Multiple hydrogen bonding interactions between uracils function as physical cross-linking points to construct the network structure of the polymeric nanogel without the addition of additional cross-linking agents, ensuring the material's safety. The amino group on the structure of uracil gives the uracil-modified polymeric hydrogel excellent pH responsiveness. Notably, as a temperature-responsive material, poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) nanogel solution can achieve in situ gel formation (within 100 s at 37°C) above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST), granting injectability to polymeric solutions. Moreover, using a hierarchical construction strategy, the variable loading of DOX and CuS was achieved. First, a heterogeneous system was created by encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) inside the nanogel via hydrophobic and π-π stacking interactions, followed by the introduction of CuS nanoparticles as photosensitizers outside of the nanogels. Due to the presence of CuS nanoparticles, the gel is able to convert NIR light into local heat to enhance the destruction of tumor cells while simultaneously achieving rapid in situ gel formation. The in situ-forming hydrogel showed promising tissue biocompatibility. The in vitro antitumor test demonstrated the capacity of the nanocomposite hydrogel for chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy. Therefore, this prepared platform has the potential to become a safe and effective, smart-responsive drug carrier for chemotherapy and PTT synergy, a minimally invasive material for tumor treatment.

The design strategy for pillararene based active targeted drug delivery systems

Pillararenes have columnar architectures with electron-rich cavities to endow themselves with unique host-guest complexation capability. Easy structural modifiability facilitates them to be used in many applications. Currently, pillararene based drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been developed as a powerful tool for precise diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Various functional guest molecules could be integrated with pillararenes to construct nanomaterials for cancer chemotherapy, phototherapy and chemodynamic therapy. In order to improve cancer therapy efficacy, active targeted DDSs have become particularly important. Benefiting from the good host-guest properties and structural variability of pillararenes, tumor targeting groups could be easily introduced into pillararene based DDSs to realize precise drug delivery at tumor sites. In this feature article, we provide a comprehensive summary of the present design strategy for pillararene based active targeted DDSs, which can be classified into three types namely host-guest complexation, charge reversal and targeted group modified pillararenes. Some important examples are selected to for a detailed discussion on their respective strengths and weaknesses.

Targeted Drug Delivery System Based on Copper Sulfide for Synergistic Near-Infrared Photothermal Therapy/Photodynamic Therapy/Chemotherapy of Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Multi-modal synergistic therapy, especially the integration of near-infrared laser phototherapies and chemotherapy, is often sought after owing to its minimal invasiveness, low side effects, and improved anticancer therapeutic efficacy. Herein, CuS nanoparticles were first coated with zinc phthalocyanine derivant (Pc)-functionalized mesoporous silica (mSiO₂-Pc) to achieve a drug delivery system (CuS@mSiO₂-Pc) with photothermal/photodynamic therapy. Chemical drug DOX was subsequently loaded for chemotherapy, and hyaluronic acid (HA) was employed as a covering material with cancer targeting. The as-obtained CuS@mSiO₂-Pc(DOX)@HA nanoparticles were nano-sized with good biocompatibility, effective DOX loading, and controllable DOX releasing. Expectedly, this multifunctional nanoplatform exhibits effective generation of reactive oxygen species and hyperthermia upon the near-infrared laser irradiation. Most importantly, the nanoparticles were targeted into 4T1 cells and showed significantly remarkable cytotoxicity under near-infrared laser irradiation, proving their synergistic therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, this targeted drug system based on CuS with synergistic photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy/chemotherapy has great application prospects in clinical anticancer treatment for triple negative breast cancer.

Supramolecular Combination Cancer Therapy Based on Macrocyclic Supramolecular Materials

Supramolecular combination therapy adopts supramolecular materials to design intelligent drug delivery systems with different strategies for cancer treatments. Thereinto, macrocyclic supramolecular materials play a crucial role in encapsulating anticancer drugs to improve anticancer efficiency and decrease toxicity towards normal tissue by host-guest interaction. In general, chemotherapy is still common therapy for solid tumors in clinics. However, supramolecular combination therapy can overcome the limitations of the traditional single-drug chemotherapy in the laboratory findings. In this review, we summarized the combination chemotherapy, photothermal chemotherapy, and gene chemotherapy based on macrocyclic supramolecular materials. Finally, the application prospects in supramolecular combination therapy are discussed.

Real-time drug release monitoring from pH-responsive CuS-encapsulated metal-organic frameworks

Real-time monitoring of drug release behaviors over extended periods of time is critical in understanding the dynamics of drug progression for personalized chemotherapeutic treatment. In this work, we report a metal–organic framework (MOF)-based nanotheranostic system encapsulated with photothermal agents (CuS) and therapeutic drug (DOX) to achieve the capabilities of real-time drug release monitoring and combined chemo-photothermal therapy. Meanwhile, folic acid-conjugated polyethylene glycol (FA-PEG) antennas were connected to the MOF through coordination interactions, endowing the MOF with an enhanced active targeting effect toward cancer cells. It is anticipated that such a theranostic agent, simultaneously possessing tumor-targeting, real-time drug monitoring and effective treatment, will potentially enhance the performance in cancer therapy.

A metal–organic framework-based nanotheranostic system was fabricated to achieve the capabilities of tumor-targeting, real-time monitoring of pH-responsive drug release and combined chemo-photothermal therapy.

Biomimetic ZIF8 Nanosystem With Tumor Hypoxia Relief Ability to Enhance Chemo-Photothermal Synergistic Therapy

Tumor hypoxic microenvironment can reduce the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, etc. It is also a potential source of tumor recurrence and metastasis. A biomimetic nanosystem based on zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF8), which had multifunctions of hypoxia relief, chemotherapy, and photothermal therapy, was established to improve tumor hypoxic microenvironment and overcome the corresponding therapeutic resistance. ZIF8 enveloped with DOX and CuS nanoparticles (DC@ZIF8) was synthesized by a sedimentation method. Red blood cell membrane and catalase (CAT) were coated onto DC@ZIF8 and biomimetic nanosystem (DC@ZIF8-MEM_C) was formed. The designed DC@ZIF8-MEM_C had a shape of polyhedron with an average particle size around 254 nm. The loading content of DOX, CAT, and CuS was 4.9%, 6.2%, and 2.5%, separately. The release of DOX from DC@ZIF8-MEM_C was pH dependent and significantly faster at pH 5 due to the degradation of ZIF8. DC@ZIF8-MEM_C exhibited outstanding photothermal conversion properties and excellent antitumor effect in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the hypoxia relief by CAT was proved to have good sensitization effect on chemo-photothermal combined therapy. DC@ZIF8-MEM_C is a prospective nanosystem, which can realize great chemo-photothermal synergistic antitumor effect under the sensitization of CAT. The biomimetic multifunctional nanoplatform provides a potential strategy of chemo-photothermal synergistic antitumor effect under the sensitization of CAT.

Rationally Driven Drug Nonradiative Decay via a Label-free Polyprodrug Strategy to Renew Tumor Cascade Photothermal-Chemotherapy

Drugs are frequently used for only chemotherapy that ignores their photophysical properties that potentially endow them with other therapeutic potency. Additionally, current photothermal-chemotherapy replies on the co-delivery of drugs and photothermal agents, but their spatiotemporal delivery and precise release is unsatisfactory. Herein, we report label-free doxorubicin (DOX) polyprodrug nanoparticles (DPNs) formulated from disulfide bonds-tethered DOX polyprodrug amphiphiles (PDMA-b-PDOXM). Benefiting from boosted nonradiative decay of high-density DOX, significant fluorescence quenching and photothermal effect are observed for DPNs without common photothermal agents. Upon cellular uptake and laser irradiation, the heat can promote lysosomal escape of DPNs into reductive cytosol, whereupon free DOX is released to activate chemotherapy and fluorescence, achieving rational cascade photothermal-chemotherapy. Current label-free polyprodrug strategy can make full use of drug, it provides an alternative insight to extend the therapeutic domain of drugs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Pillararene-based molecular-scale porous materials

This review discusses the design and syntheses of molecular-scale pillar[n]arene-based porous materials with promising applications and summarises the development of using pillar[n]arenes as the building blocks of porous materials. From the perspective of "role of participation" in the syntheses of molecular-scale pillar[n]arene-based porous materials, the content can be divided into pillar[n]arenes serving as supramolecular nanovalves on surfaces and as ligands for metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic polymers. By integrating pillararenes, which possess rigid pillar-like structures, electron-rich cavities and desirable host-guest properties, with porous polymers of large surface areas and abundant active sites, applications of the resulting materials in drug release platforms, molecular recognition, sensing, detection, gas adsorption, removal of water pollution, organic photovoltaic materials and heterogeneous catalysis can be realised simultaneously and efficiently. Finally, in the conclusions and perspectives part, we put forward the challenges and viewpoints of the current research on pillar[n]arene-based porous materials. We hope this article can provide a timely and valuable reference for researchers interested in synthetic macrocycles and porous materials.

Starch Capped Atomically Thin CuS Nanocrystals for Efficient Photothermal Therapy

Photothermal therapy requires efficient plasmonic nanomaterials with small size, good water dispersibility, and biocompatibility. This work reports a one-pot, 2-min synthesis strategy for ultrathin CuS nanocrystals (NCs) with precisely tunable size and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), where a single-starch-layer coating leads to a high LSPR absorption at the near-IR wavelength 980 nm. The CuS NC diameter increases from 4.7 (1 nm height along [101]) to 28.6 nm (4.9 nm height along [001]) accompanied by LSPR redshift from 978 to 1200 nm, as the precursor ratio decreases from 1 to 0.125. Photothermal temperature increases by 38.6 °C in 50 mg L^-1 CuS NC solution under laser illumination (980 nm, 1.44 W cm^-2 ). Notably, 98.4% of human prostate cancer PC-3/Luc+ cells are killed by as little as 5 mg L^-1 starch-coated CuS NCs with 3-min laser treatment, whereas CuS NCs without starch cause insignificant cell death. LSPR modeling discloses that the starch layer enhances the photothermal effect by significantly increasing the free carrier density and blue-shifting the LSPR toward 980 nm. This study not only presents a new type of photothermally highly efficient ultrathin CuS NCs, but also offers in-depth LSPR modeling investigations useful for other photothermal nanomaterial designs.

Stimuli-Responsive Amphiphilic Pillar[n]arene Nanovesicles for Targeted Delivery of Cancer Drugs

Cancer chemotherapeutics face several challenges, including uncontrollable drug release, off-target toxic effects, and poor bioavailability. Recently, supramolecular nanovesicles, such as calix[n]arenes (CXs), cyclodextrins (CDs), cucurbiturils (CBs), and pillar[n]arenes (PRs), have attracted attention as potential smart nanocarriers for chemotherapeutics because of their exceptional cavities that can achieve high encapsulation capacity and accommodate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. In addition, they can be functionalized with different stimuli-responsive groups, which facilitate controlled drug release. Supramolecular nanovesicles, loaded with drugs and decorated with stimuli-responsive targeting moieties, are designed by either host-guest complexation or self-assembly of amphiphilic cavitands. Pillar[n]arenes, in particular, are novel supramolecular host molecules that have recently been employed in cancer targeted drug delivery because of their symmetric pillar-shaped structure, simplicity of functionalization, and biocompatibility. This review summarizes state-of-the-art strategies for developing single or multiple stimuli-responsive pillar[n]arene nanovesicles for effective cancer treatment.

Supramolecular Assembly with Aggregation-Induced Emission Property for Sensing and Detection

The fabrication of new supramolecular materials for real-time detection of analytes including ions, organic pollutants, gases, biomolecules, and drugs is of pivotal importance in industrial manufacture, clinical treatment, and environmental remediation. Incorporating fluorescent molecules with distinct aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effects into supramolecular assemblies has received much attention over the past two decades, owing to the remarkable performance of the AIE-active supramolecular materials in sensing and detection. In this minireview, we summarize the recent progress of superior detection systems on the basis of supramolecular assemblies accompanied with AIE features. We envision that this minireview will be helpful and timely for relevant researchers to stimulate new thinking for constructing new AIE-based supramolecular materials with advanced architectures for effective sensing and detection.

Multifunctional Biodegradable Prussian Blue Analogue for Synergetic Photothermal/Photodynamic/Chemodynamic Therapy and Intrinsic Tumor Metastasis Inhibition

To date, various Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have been prepared for biomedical applications due to their unique structural advantages. However, the safety and effectiveness of tumor treatment still need further exploration. This contribution reports a facile synthesis of PBA with superior tumor synergetic therapeutic effects and a detailed mechanistic evaluation of their intrinsic tumor metastasis inhibition activity. The as-synthesized PBA has a uniform cube structure with a diameter of approximately 220 nm and shows high near-infrared light (NIR) photoreactivity, photothermal conversion efficiency (41.44%), and photodynamic effect. Additionally, PBA could lead to a chemodynamic effect, which is caused by the Fenton reaction and ferroptosis. The combined therapy strategy of PBA exhibits notable tumor ablation properties due to photothermal therapy (PTT)/photodynamic therapy (PDT)/chemodynamic therapy (CDT) effects without obvious toxicity in vivo. The PBA has also shown potential as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging. More importantly, careful investigations reveal that PBA displays excellent biodegradation and anti-metastasis properties. Further exploration of the PBA implies that its underlying mechanism of intrinsic tumor metastasis inhibition activity can be attributed to the modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) expression. The considerable potential exhibited by the as-synthesized PBA makes it an ideal candidate as a synergetic therapeutic agent for tumor treatment.

Multifunctional Pillar[n]arene-Based Smart Nanomaterials

The construction of smart nanomaterials from host macrocycles that are responsive to specific stimuli has gained significant attention in recent years. The application of pillar[n]arenes has been of particular interest given their ease of functionalization and tunability of the intrinsic cavity electronic properties that allows them to encapsulate a great variety of guests and complex with metal ions with high selectivity via noncovalent interactions, endowing them with captivating properties and functions. Herein, we present the most recent advances in the design and functionalization of pillar[n]arene-based smart nanomaterials, and their applications for sensing, catalysis, drug delivery, and artificial transmembrane channels.

Tumor Microenvironment-Modulated Nanozymes for NIR-II-Triggered Hyperthermia-Enhanced Photo-Nanocatalytic Therapy via Disrupting ROS Homeostasis

Purpose

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of signaling biomolecules that play important roles in the cell cycle. When intracellular ROS homeostasis is disrupted, it can induce cellular necrosis and apoptosis. It is desirable to effectively cascade-amplifying ROS generation and weaken antioxidant defense for disrupting ROS homeostasis in tumor microenvironment (TME), which has been recognized as a novel and ideal antitumor strategy. Multifunctional nanozymes are highly promising agents for ROS-mediated therapy.

Methods

This study constructed a novel theranostic nanoagent based on PEG@Cu_2-xS@Ce6 nanozymes (PCCNs) through a facile one-step hydrothermal method. We systematically investigated the photodynamic therapy (PDT)/photothermal therapy (PTT) properties, catalytic therapy (CTT) and glutathione (GSH) depletion activities of PCCNs, antitumor efficacy induced by PCCNs in vitro and in vivo.

Results

PCCNs generate singlet oxygen (¹O₂) with laser (660 nm) irradiation and use catalytic reactions to produce hydroxyl radical (•OH). Moreover, PCCNs show the high photothermal performance under NIR II 1064-nm laser irradiation, which can enhance CTT/PDT efficiencies to increase ROS generation. The properties of O₂ evolution and GSH consumption of PCCNs achieve hypoxia-relieved PDT and destroy cellular antioxidant defense system respectively. The excellent antitumor efficacy in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice of PCCNs is achieved through disrupting ROS homeostasis-involved therapy under the guidance of photothermal/photoacoustic imaging.

Conclusion

Our study provides a proof of concept of “all-in-one” nanozymes to eliminate tumors via disrupting ROS homeostasis.

Smart Nanoparticles for Chemo-Based Combinational Therapy

Cancer is a heterogeneous and complex disease. Traditional cancer therapy is associated with low therapeutic index, acquired resistance, and various adverse effects. With the increasing understanding of cancer biology and technology advancements, more strategies have been exploited to optimize the therapeutic outcomes. The rapid development and application of nanomedicine have motivated this progress. Combinational regimen, for instance, has become an indispensable approach for effective cancer treatment, including the combination of chemotherapeutic agents, chemo-energy, chemo-gene, chemo-small molecules, and chemo-immunology. Additionally, smart nanoplatforms that respond to external stimuli (such as light, temperature, ultrasound, and magnetic field), and/or to internal stimuli (such as changes in pH, enzymes, hypoxia, and redox) have been extensively investigated to improve precision therapy. Smart nanoplatforms for combinational therapy have demonstrated the potential to be the next generation cancer treatment regimen. This review aims to highlight the recent advances in smart combinational therapy.

Synthesis, modification and bioapplications of nanoscale copper chalcogenides

Copper chalcogenides have a simple general formula, variable atomic ratios, and complicated crystal structures, which lead to their wealth of optical, electrical, and magnetic properties with great potential for wide applications ranging from energy conversion to the biomedical field. Herein, we summarize the recent advances in (1) the synthesis of size- and morphology tunable nanostructures by different methods; (2) surface modification and functionalization for different purposes; and (3) bioapplications for diagnosis and treatment of tumors by different imaging and therapy methods, as well as antibacterial applications. We also briefly discuss the future directions and challenges of copper chalcogenide nanoparticles in the biomedical field.

Macrocyclic-Amphiphile-Based Self-Assembled Nanoparticles for Ratiometric Delivery of Therapeutic Combinations to Tumors

Combination chemotherapy refers to the use of multiple drugs to treat cancer. In this therapy, the optimal ratio of the drugs is essential to achieve drug synergism and the desired therapeutic effects. However, most delivery strategies are unable to precisely control the ratio of the drugs during the drug loading and delivery processes, resulting in inefficient synergy and unpredictable efficacy. Herein, a macrocyclic-amphiphile-based self-assembled nanoparticle (MASN) that achieves precise loading and ratiometric delivery of therapeutic combinations is presented. By integrating multiple macrocyclic cavities within a single nanoparticle, the MASN can load multiple drug molecules via the host-guest interaction, and the ratio of the drugs loaded can be predicted with their initial concentrations and characteristic binding affinity. Moreover, MASNs are readily degraded under a hypoxic microenvironment, allowing spontaneous release of the drugs upon reaching tumor tissues. With precise drug loading and controlled release mechanisms, MASNs achieve ratiometric delivery of multiple commercial drugs to tumors, thereby achieving optimal anti-tumor effects. Since the optimal drug ratio of a therapeutic combination can be quickly determined in vitro, MASNs can translate this optimal ratio to the therapeutic benefits in vivo, providing a potential platform for the rapid development of effective combination cancer therapies involving multiple drugs.

A light-activated nanotherapeutic with broad-spectrum bacterial recognition to eliminate drug-resistant pathogens

Obstinate infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria severely threaten human health. And the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria increases the morbidity and mortality of patients, thus necessitating the development of innovative or alternative therapeutics. Here, a light-activated nanotherapeutic with broad-spectrum bacterial recognition is established as an antibiotic-free therapeutic agent against pathogens. The nanotherapeutic with external phenylboronic acid-based glycopolymers increases the stability and biocompatibility and shows the ability of bacterial recognition. Once irradiated with near-infrared light, this nanotherapeutic with high photothermal conversion efficiency disrupts the cytoplasmic membrane, thus killing bacterial cells. Importantly, it also eliminates the biofilms formed by both drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) effectively. Thus, this antibiotic-free nanotherapeutic with hypotoxicity offers a promising approach to fight increasingly serious antimicrobial resistance.

Supramolecular cancer nanotheranostics

Among the many challenges in medicine, the treatment and cure of cancer remains an outstanding goal given the complexity and diversity of the disease. Nanotheranostics, the integration of therapy and diagnosis in nanoformulations, is the next generation of personalized medicine to meet the challenges in precise cancer diagnosis, rational management and effective therapy, aiming to significantly increase the survival rate and improve the life quality of cancer patients. Different from most conventional platforms with unsatisfactory theranostic capabilities, supramolecular cancer nanotheranostics have unparalleled advantages in early-stage diagnosis and personal therapy, showing promising potential in clinical translations and applications. In this review, we summarize the progress of supramolecular cancer nanotheranostics and provide guidance for designing new targeted supramolecular theranostic agents. Based on extensive state-of-the-art research, our review will provide the existing and new researchers a foundation from which to advance supramolecular cancer nanotheranostics and promote translationally clinical applications.

Development of photosensitizer-loaded lipid droplets for photothermal therapy based on thiophene analogs

Photothermal therapy (PTT) was considered as one of the most promising cancer therapies to overcome the severe side effects caused by chemotherapy. Hence, four thiophene analogs were developed to construct novel organic photothermal agents (PTAs) for many biomedical applications in cancer biosensing and photothermal therapies. The efficacy of four compounds was demonstrated by studies of photothermal properties as well as photothermal therapeutic effects. Besides, tumor ablation experiments indicated that HTN2 can effectively suppress tumors in vivo and in vitro as a novel PTA. Hence, PTAs that we designed and synthesized with their advantage of good biocompatibility and facile structural design could be candidates for PTT.

Recent advances in nanosized metal organic frameworks for drug delivery and tumor therapy

Metal organic-frameworks (MOFs) are novel materials that have attracted increasing attention for applications in a wide range of research, owing to their unique advantages including their small particle size, porous framework structure and high specific surface area. Because of their adjustable size, nanoscale MOFs (nano-MOFs) can be prepared as carriers of biotherapy drugs, thus enabling biotherapeutic applications. Nano-MOFs' metal ion catalytic activity and organic group functional characteristics can be exploited in biological treatments. Furthermore, the applications of nano-MOFs can be broadened by hybridization with other materials to form composites. This review focuses on the preparation and recent advances in nano-MOFs as drug carriers, therapeutic materials and functionalized materials in drug delivery and tumor therapy based on the single/multiple stimulus response of drug release to achieve the targeted therapy, offering a comprehensive reference for drug carrier design. At the end, the current challenges and prospects are discussed to provide significant insight into the design and applications of nano-MOFs in drug delivery and tumor therapy.

Macrophage-Membrane-Camouflaged Disintegrable and Excretable Nanoconstruct for Deep Tumor Penetration

The consolidation of nanovectors with biological membranes has recently been a subject of interest owing to the prolonged systemic circulation time and delayed clearance by the reticuloendothelial system of such systems. Among the different biomembranes, the macrophage membrane has a similar systemic circulation time, with an additional chemotactic aptitude, targeting integrin proteins. In this study, we aimed to establish a laser-activated, disintegrable, and deeply tumor-penetrative nanoplatform. We used a highly tumor-ablative and laser-responsive disintegrable copper sulfide nanoparticle, loaded it with paclitaxel, and camouflaged it with the macrophage membrane for the fabrication of PTX@CuS@MMNPs. The in vitro paclitaxel release profile was favorable for release in the tumor microenvironment, and the release was accelerated after laser exposure. Cellular internalization was improved by membrane encapsulation. Cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species generation, and apoptosis induction of PTX@CuS@MMNPs were further improved upon laser exposure, and boosted permeation was achieved by co-administration of the tumor-penetrating peptide iRGD. In vivo tumor accumulation, tumor inhibition rate, and apoptotic marker expression induced by PTX@CuS@MMNPs were significantly improved by laser irradiation and iRGD co-administration. PTX@CuS@MMNPs induced downregulation of cellular proliferation and angiogenic markers but no significant changes in body weight, survival, or significant toxicities in vital organs after laser exposure, suggesting their biocompatibility. The disintegrability of the nanosystem, accredited to biodegradability, favored efficient elimination from the body. In conclusion, PTX@CuS@MMNPs showed promising traits in combination therapies for excellent tumor eradication.

Supramolecular Container-Mediated Surface Engineering Approach for Regulating the Biological Targeting Effect of Nanoparticles

Surface chemistry is essential for the biomedical applications of functional nanomaterials. Here, a supramolecular container-based surface engineering approach is designed to impart excellent water dispersibility and precisely control the orientation of surface targeting ligands of the nanoparticles. An acyclic cucurbituril (aCB) molecular container is used as a chemical bridge to incorporate nanoparticles and targeting ligands via a bilateral host-guest complexation, enabling the bioactive moieties of targeting ligands to be fully exposed and faced outward to facilitate biological targeting. The enhanced biological targeting effect as well as targeted imaging performance of aCB-engineered nanoparticles are demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Molecular dynamic simulations illustrate a tight binding of targeting ligand to the relevant receptor with the assistance of the aCB molecular container for the enhanced targeting efficiency, representing an attractive extension of supramolecular chemistry-based technology for nanoparticle surface engineering and supramolecularly regulated biological targeting.

Fabrication of Folic Acid-Decorated Hollow ZIF-8/Au/CuS Nanocomposites for Enhanced and Selective Anticancer Therapy

Hollow nanomaterials have been used as an attractive platform for the integration of multiple bioactive components for effective anticancer therapy. Herein, we report a novel and facile strategy for the fabrication of hollow and monodispersed zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) by the self-template method with folic acid (FA) as a bioetcher. Gold nanocluster and folic acid were critical for the formation of the hollow ZIF-8 (thickness of 38 nm) during solvothermal synthesis. By integrating CuS nanoparticles (size of 4.9 nm), the resultant quadruple ZIF-8/Au/CuS/FA nanocomposites (denoted as FACZ) exhibited effective anticancer activities on FA receptor-positive MCF-7 and HepG-2 tumor cells but a weak killing effect on HCMEC/D3 cells. Folic acid molecules were conjugated to the external surface of FACZ, which simultaneously offered an excellent tumor-targeting ability and fluorescence imaging property. Although the photothermal therapy caused by CuS was not so obvious due to partial reduction, the nanosized FACZ after cellular uptake was able to release Cu(I) to enable chemodynamic therapy. This catalytically decomposed H₂O₂ to produce highly reactive oxygen species via the Fenton-like reaction as determined by the extracellular and intracellular hydroxyl radical. Our work offers a simple route for the fabrication of hollow ZIF-8 nanocomposite with active and selective anticancer activity. This is envisaged to have great potentials in biomedical applications.

Pillar[n]arene-Based Supramolecular Switches in Solution and on Surfaces

The design and synthesis of new synthetic macrocycles has driven the rapid development of supramolecular chemistry and materials. Pillar[n]arenes, as a new type of macrocyclic compounds, are used as a promising type of building blocks for switchable supramolecular systems due to their versatile functionalization and the ability of binding toward various guest molecules. A number of guests can form inclusion complexes with pillar[n]arenes and their derivatives in solution, which are sensitive to different external triggers. Interestingly, the pursuit of complex stimuli-responsive functional materials and devices has largely motivated the shift of pillar[n]arene-based switches from solution media to surfaces for controllable macroscopic motions on solid platforms. Facilitated by the facile modification of pillar[n]arenes on various solid supports and the dynamic binding of host-guest complexes, numerous functional hybrid materials with adjustable physical or chemical properties and integrated functionalities have been reported in the last decade. Here, the advance of supramolecular switches in solution and on surfaces based on pillar[n]arenes and derivatives with an emphasis on the efforts and the latest contributions from the field is discussed.

Photo-controlled reversible secondary self-assembly of supramolecular nanosheets and their drug delivery behavior

Supramolecular nano-drug delivery systems with stimuli-responsive features have attracted extensive attention in photodynamic therapy. In this work, a new kind of photo-controlled reversible two dimensional (2D) nanosheet was constructed by cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8])-mediated ternary complexation with lanthanide complexes, azobenzene quaternary ammonium salt and sodium dodecyl sulfonate, which exhibited rapid morphological transformation and high drug loading capacities. The constructed supramolecular secondary self-assembly system has become a very promising candidate as a drug nanocarrier.

Pillar[5]arene-Based Switched Supramolecular Photosensitizer for Self-Amplified and pH-Activated Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising and spatiotemporally controllable cancer treatment modality. However, serious skin photosensitization during the PDT process limits the clinical application of PDT. Thus, the construction of "smart" and multifunctional photosensitizers has attracted substantial interest. Herein, we develop a mitochondria-targeting and pH-switched hybrid supramolecular photosensitizer by the host-guest interaction. The PDT efficacy of supramolecular photosensitizers can be quenched by the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect during long circulation and activated by the dissociation of supramolecular photosensitizers in an acidic tumor microenvironment, benefitting from the dynamic feature of the host-guest interaction and pH responsiveness of the water-soluble pillar[5]arene on gold nanoparticles. The rational integration of mitochondria-targeting and reductive glutathione (GSH) elimination in the hybrid switchable supramolecular photosensitizer prolongs the lifetime of reactive oxygen species generated in the PDT near mitochondria and further amplifies the PDT efficacy. Thus, the facile and versatile construction of switchable supramolecular photosensitizer offers not only the targeted and precise phototherapy but also high therapeutic efficacy, which would provide a new path for the clinic application of PDT.

Photonic hyperthermal and sonodynamic nanotherapy targeting oral squamous cell carcinoma

Nanomedicine that enables multiple synergetic treatments provides effective non-invasive treatment modalities for cancer therapy. Yet treatments for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are rarely reported. Here, we designed OSCC-targeting multi-functional nanomedicines to overcome the therapeutic obstacles during OSCC treatments, including ineffective chemotherapy, and the traumatic surgery and radiotherapy. The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)-targeting ligand AE105 decorated dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSN) encapsulating photonic active ultrasmall Cu2-xS NPs and sonosensitizer Rose Bengal (RB) have been rationally designed and constructed (designated as Cu2-xS-RB@DMSN-AE105, abbreviated as CRDA). These CRDAs initially target the uPAR, which is overexpressed in the OSCC cell membrane, to increase the localized accumulation of CRDAs at tumor sites. Under the irradiation of both near-infrared laser and ultrasound, the in situ photonic-hyperthermal and sonodynamic effects are respectively enabled to induce the cell death of OSCC. Upon both in vitro/in vivo challenges, tumor cells/xenografts have been efficiently eradicated, achieving the targeting and synergetic treatment modality against the OSCC with satisfactory biocompatibility.

NIR II-Excited and pH-Responsive Ultrasmall Nanoplatform for Deep Optical Tissue and Drug Delivery Penetration and Effective Cancer Chemophototherapy

The limited tumor tissue penetration of many nanoparticles remains a formidable challenge to their therapeutic efficacy. Although several photonanomedicines have been applied to improve tumor penetration, the first near-infrared window mediated by the low optical tissue penetration depth severely limits their anticancer effectiveness. To achieve deep optical tissue and drug delivery penetration, a near-infrared second window (NIR-II)-excited and pH-responsive ultrasmall drug delivery nanoplatform was fabricated based on BSA-stabilized CuS nanoparticles (BSA@CuS NPs). The BSA@CuS NPs effectively encapsulated doxorubicin (DOX) via strong electrostatic interactions to form multifunctional nanoparticles (BSA@CuS@DOX NPs). The BSA@CuS@DOX NPs had an ultrasmall size, which allowed them to achieve deeper tumor penetration. They also displayed stronger NIR II absorbance-mediated deep optical tissue penetration than that of the NIR I window. Moreover, the multifunctional nanoplatform preferentially accumulated in tumor sites, induced tumor hyperthermia, and generated remarkably high ROS levels in tumor sites upon NIR-II laser (1064 nm) irradiation. More importantly, our strategy achieved excellent synergistic effects of chemotherapy and phototherapy (chemophototherapy) under the guidance of photothermal imaging. The developed nanoparticles also showed good biocompatibility and bioclearance properties. Therefore, our work demonstrated a facile strategy for fabricating a multifunctional nanoplatform that is a promising candidate for deep tumor penetration as an effective antitumor therapy.

SiO2@Cu7S4 nanotubes for photo/chemodynamic and photo-thermal dual-mode synergistic therapy under 808 nm laser irradiation

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-based modality for tumor treatment that involves the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the combination of light, a photosensitizer, and molecular oxygen. Nevertheless, the therapeutic effects of PDT are limited by hypoxic conditions that worsen with oxygen consumption during the PDT process. Photo/chemodynamic therapy (PCDT) based on the Fenton reaction is one strategy to improve ROS generation, provided a highly effective Fenton reagent is developed. In this research, SiO₂@Cu₇S₄ nanotubes (NTs) were synthesized as a PCDT agent. This double-valence metal-sulfide composite material can react with H₂O₂ at the tumor site. SiO₂@Cu₇S₄ NTs can produce more ROS than the traditional PDT agents, and besides, they can also be used as a photothermal therapy (PTT) agent. SiO₂@Cu₇S₄ NTs will trigger the PTT effect under 808 nm irradiation and generate a large amount of heat to eradicate cancer cells. This heat will also promote the PCDT effect by increasing the reaction rate. Thus, the SiO₂@Cu₇S₄ NT is a suitable material for PCDT and PTT synergistic oncotherapy. The 808 nm laser is selected as the appropriate excitation source, providing adequate penetration and minimal harm to normal cells. The experimental data presented herein demonstrate the promising photosensitive, Fenton-like, and photothermal performance of SiO₂@Cu₇S₄ NTs. Furthermore, the findings could promote the development of PCDT and PTT synergistic therapy. Thus, this research provides a feasible method to design a single, multifunctional material for cancer treatment.

Targeted Gene Silencing BRAF Synergized Photothermal Effect Inhibits Hepatoma Cell Growth Using New GAL-GNR-siBRAF Nanosystem

Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The RAF kinase inhibitors are effective in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); therefore, inhibition of the BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway has become a new therapeutic strategy for novel HCC therapy. However, targeted specific delivery systems for tumors are still significant obstacle to clinical applications. Galactose (GAL) can target the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) that is highly expressed on liver cancer cells. In this study, we designed a novel multifunctional nanomaterial GAL-GNR-siBRAF which consists of three parts, GAL as the liver cancer-targeting moiety, golden nanorods (GNR) offering photothermal capability under near infrared light, and siRNA specifically silencing BRAF (siBRAF). The nanocarrier GAL-GNR-siBRAF showed high siRNA loading capacity and inhibited the degradation of siRNA in serum. Compared with naked gold nanorods, GAL-GNR-siBRAF possessed lower biotoxicity and higher efficacy of gene silencing. Treatment with GAL-GNR-siBRAF significantly downregulated the expression of BRAF and impaired proliferation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells. Moreover, combinatorial photothermal effects and BRAF knockdown by GAL-GNR-siBRAF effectively given rise to tumor cell death. Therefore, our study developed a new type of targeted multi-functional nanomaterial GAL-GNR-siBRAF for the treatment of liver cancer, which provides ideas for the development of new clinical treatment methods.

Self-Assembled Monolayers of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles on Glass as Antibacterial Coatings

We developed an easy and reproducible synthetic method to graft a monolayer of copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NP) on glass and exploited their particular antibacterial features. Samples were fully characterized showing a good stability, a neat photo-thermal effect when irradiated in the Near InfraRed (NIR) region (in the so called “biological window”), and the ability to release controlled quantities of copper in water. The desired antibacterial activity is thus based on two different mechanisms: (i) slow and sustained copper release from CuS NP-glass samples, (ii) local temperature increase caused by a photo-thermal effect under NIR laser irradiation of CuS NP–glass samples. This behavior allows promising in vivo applications to be foreseen, ensuring a “static” antibacterial protection tailored to fight bacterial adhesion in the critical timescale of possible infection and biofilm formation. This can be reinforced, when needed, by a photo-thermal action switchable on demand by an NIR light.

Nanoplatforms with Remarkably Enhanced Absorption in the Second Biological Window for Effective Tumor Thermoradiotherapy

Thermoradiotherapy acts as an important antitumor modality because heating can increase the blood flow and improve the oxygen level in tumor, thus remission of hypoxia-associated resistance for radiotherapy (RT). However, most agents for thermoradiotherapy are used either in the first near-infrared biological window or low photothermal conversion efficiency. Here, a facile method to prepare Cu_xS/Au nanocomposites via reduction methods from Cu_xS templates in mild synthetic conditions (i.e., aqueous solution and room temperature) is presented. After the growth of Au nanoparticles, the Cu_xS/Au nanocomposites have greater benefits for photothermal efficiency than that of Cu_xS nanoparticles due to the enhanced absorbance in the second near-infrared window. Moreover, biocompatibility and stability of these nanocomposites are greatly improved by lipoic acid poly(ethylene glycol). After the tumors were irradiated with a 1064 nm laser, their oxygenation status is subsequently improved, and the combination of photothermal therapy and RT achieves remarkable synergistic therapeutic effects. This work provides a novel idea to design a new-generation nanomedicine for tumor thermoradiotherapy.

Supramolecular nanomaterials based on hollow mesoporous drug carriers and macrocycle-capped CuS nanogates for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy

Multifunctional supramolecular nanoplatforms that integrate the advantages of different therapeutic techniques can trigger multimodal synergistic treatment of tumors, thus representing an emerging powerful tool for cancer therapeutics. Methods: In this work, we design and fabricate a multifunctional supramolecular drug delivery platform, namely Fa-mPEG@CP5-CuS@HMSN-Py nanoparticles (FaPCH NPs), consisting of a pyridinium (Py)-modified hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles-based drug reservoir (HMSN-Py) with high loading capacity, a layer of NIR-operable carboxylatopillar[5]arene (CP5)-functionalized CuS nanoparticles (CP5-CuS) on the surface of HMSN-Py connected through supramolecular host-guest interactions between CP5 rings and Py stalks, and another layer of folic acid (Fa)-conjugated polyethylene glycol (Fa-PEG) antennas by electrostatic interactions capable of active targeting at tumor lesions, in a controlled, highly integrated fashion for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy. Results: Fa-mPEG antennas endowed the enhanced active targeting effect toward cancer cells, and CP5-CuS served as not only a quadruple-stimuli responsive nanogate for controllable drug release but also a special agent for NIR-guided photothermal therapy. Meanwhile, anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) could be released from the HMSN-Py reservoirs under tumor microenvironments for chemotherapy, thus realizing multimodal synergistic therapeutics. Such a supramolecular drug delivery platform showed effective synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: This novel supramolecular nanoplatform possesses great potential in controlled drug delivery and tumor cellular internalization for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy, providing a promising approach for multimodal synergistic cancer treatment.

A reversible, switchable pH-driven quaternary ammonium pillar[5]arene nanogate for mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Here we describe the assembly and pH-driven operation of two nanocarriers based on non-functionalized (MCM-41) and carboxylate-functionalized (MCM-41-COOH) containers loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and capped by quaternary ammonium pillar[5]arene (P[5]A) nanogates. MCM-41 and MCM-41-COOH containers were synthesized and transmission and scanning electron microscopies showed nanoparticles with spherical morphology and dimensions of 85 ± 13 nm. The nanochannels of MCM-41 loaded with DOX were gated through the electrostatic interactions between P[5]A and the silanolate groups formed at the silica-water interface, yielding the MCM-41-DOX-P[5]A nanocarrier. The second nanocarrier was gated through the electrostatic interactions between the carboxylate groups mounted on the surface of MCM-41 and P[5]A, resulting in the MCM-41-COO-DOX-P[5]A nanocarrier. The DOX release profiles from both nanocarriers were investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy at different pH values (2.0, 5.5 and 7.4) and also in the presence of ions, such as citrate^3- (19 mmol L^-1) and Zn²⁺ (1.2 and 50 mmol L^-1) at 37 °C. MCM-41-COO-DOX-P[5]A can be turned on and off eight times through the formation and breaking of electrostatic interactions. In vitro studies show that MCM-41-COO-DOX-P[5]A can penetrate and release DOX in the nucleus of human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cancer cells leading to a pronounced cytotoxic effect. Therefore, the fabricated nanocarrier based on a water-soluble cationic pillar[5]arene nanogate, which is reversibly opened and closed by electrostatic interactions, can be considered as a promising drug transport and delivery technique for future cancer therapy.

Nanoassembly and Multiscale Computation of Multifunctional Optical-Magnetic Nanoprobes for Tumor-Targeted Theranostics

Gold nanorods, mesoporous silica, gadolinia, folic acid, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives have been investigated due to their own advantages in cancer theranostics. However, it remains a great challenge to assemble these components into a stable unity with the diverse and enhanced functionality for more potential applications. Herein, as inspired by the first-principles calculation, a highly stable and safe all-in-one nanoprobe is fabricated via a novel nanoassembly strategy. Multiscale calculations were performed to address the atomistic bonding of a nanoprobe, heat necrosis of a tumor adjacent to the vasculature, and thermal diffusion in a photothermal circumstance, respectively. The nanoprobe gains an 8-fold increase in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxivity compared to the clinical gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate, achieving a significant MRI signal in vivo. Conjugated with folate-PEG, the nanoprobe can be effectively absorbed by tumoral cells, obtaining a vivid two-photon cell imaging. A specific multisite scheme for photothermal therapy of a solid tumor is proposed to improve low photothermal efficacy caused by thermal diffusion in a large tumor, leading to the successful cure of the mice with xenograft tumor sized 10-12 mm. In vitro and in vivo toxicity, long-term excretion data, and the recovery of the treated mice demonstrate that the theranostic nanoprobe possesses good biocompatibility and metabolism efficacy.

pH-Triggered Conformational Change of Antp-Based Drug Delivery Platform for Tumor Treatment with Combined Photothermal Therapy and Chemotherapy

Poor cellular uptake and low therapeutic efficacy of small-molecule antitumor drugs limit the application of drug delivery systems (DDSs) in cancer therapy. A conformational change of the Antp mimetic peptide (AMP) in tumor microenvironments can greatly increase the cellular uptake as well as control drug release from a DDS. In this study, AMP-based nanoparticles (AMP-NPs) conjugated with tyroserleutide (YSL), an immunologically therapeutic tripeptide, are designed to encapsulate doxorubicin (Dox) and indocyanine green (ICG) to improve cellular uptake and cancer therapeutic efficacy by combining chemotherapy with photothermal therapy. In vitro studies verify that AMP-NPs can control the release of Dox and YSL at different pH values. Cell experiments show that AMP-NPs can promote the cellular uptake of Dox, and YSL can promote hepatocarcinoma cell (H22) apoptosis through downregulating Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 expression. In a mouse xenograft model using H22 cells, tumors are ablated when Dox- and ICG-loaded AMP-NPs are injected with the combination of hyperthermia effect induced by near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation and chemotherapy from Dox and YSL. The pH-, photothermal-, and glutathione-responsive AMP-NPs with a conformational transition strategy can be utilized to synergistically enhance the cancer therapeutic efficacy with few side effects upon NIR laser irradiation.