Recent advances of redox-responsive nanoplatforms for tumor theranostics

Nano-biotechnologies which combine diagnosis with therapy in an integrated nanoplatform provide a promising prospect for cancer theranostics. Currently, the development of personalized medicine requires the exploitation of "smart" theranostic nanoplatforms with specific targeting, precise cargoes release, non-invasive therapeutics for cancers and so on. High levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and glutathione (GSH) are prominent features of tumor microenvironment (TME), which are distinctly different from healthy tissues. Accordingly, extensive redox-responsive theranostic nanoplatforms have been exploited by modulating intracellular redox homeostasis. In this review, we first summarized the recent advances of overexpressed H₂O₂- and antioxidant GSH-responsive nanoplatforms for tumor diagnose and treatment. Then, the strategies by synergistically boosting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and GSH depletion for amplifying oxidative stress are highlighted. At last, the prospects and controversies of stimuli-driven nanotheranostics are also discussed for future development.