Bioinspired Virus-like Fe₃O₄/Au@C Nanovector for Programmable Drug Delivery via Hierarchical Targeting

Abstract

Bioinspired strategies have recently emerged as novel approaches for designing a functionalized nanovector with enhanced tumor targeting and therapeutic efficacy. Herein, a virus-like Fe3O4/Au@C nanovector is described for programmable drug delivery via hierarchical targeting. Specifically, the virus-like Fe3O4/Au@C nanovector is synthesized via a simple hydrothermal process, and then the spiky surface of which is camouflaged via doxorubicin (DOX)-conjugated polyethylene glycol (PEG), constructing an innovative virus-like core/spherical shell biomimetic nanomedicine (Fe3O4/Au@C-DOX-PEG), which is conducive to improve bioavailability and reduce adverse effects. After systemic administration, the as-prepared nanomedicine is capable of facilitating effective tumor accumulation and deep tumor penetration with the assistance of an external magnetic field and endogenous pH stimuli. Simultaneously, in response to the acidic tumor microenvironment, Fe3O4/Au@C-DOX nanocomposites are released and exhibit excellent performance in cellular internalization through a virus-mimetic rough surface. Furthermore, the in vivo experiments identify that the unique nanomedicine is bestowed with an effective targeting tumor, prominent antitumor efficacy, and reduced systemic toxicity. Such a bioinspired hierarchical targeting nanoplatform holds promising potential for enhanced chemotherapeutic intracellular delivery and tumor theranostics.