Biomimetic Functional Nanocomplexes for Photothermal Cancer Chemoimmunotheranostics

Abstract

This study presents a novel multimodal cancer theranostic platform developed using tumor cell-coated biomimetic carbon nanohorn (CNH) complexes that encapsulate the anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX). This platform combines photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to fight against malignant colorectal cancer. These engineered nanocomplexes are designed to deliver sufficient PTX molecules into a targeted solid tumor in a light-controllable manner while inducing significant photothermal and antitumor immune responses. The outstanding photothermal conversion property of the CNHs under near-infrared light enables effective cancer cell ablation and awakening of cytotoxic immune responses. Tumor cell membrane-coated CNHs show improved water dispersibility, immune evasion, and targeting capabilities alongside enhanced immune activation against tumors. The efficacy of the biomimetic functional CNH nanocomplexes is demonstrated through excellent tumor-targeting, controlled drug-releasing behavior, and induction of cancer cell death, contributing to a robust antitumor response. This study provides a promising approach to cancer treatment by integrating multiple therapeutic modalities into a single platform, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy to combat intractable cancer.