Metal-Coordinated Supramolecular Self-Assemblies for Cancer Theranostics

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular chemistry
• Nanomaterials science
• Cancer theranostics

Background:

• Metal-coordinated supramolecular nanoassemblies are emerging as versatile platforms for cancer theranostics.
• These materials bridge inorganic and organic chemistry, offering unique physicochemical properties.
• Tailoring metal ions and ligands allows for the construction of multifunctional nanomedicines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in metal-coordinated supramolecular nanomedicines for cancer theranostics.
• To classify these compounds based on the periodic table order of coordinated metal ions.
• To discuss prospects and challenges for technical and clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on metal-coordinated supramolecular nanomedicines.
• Classification of nanomedicines based on metal ion coordination.
• Analysis of tumor microenvironment (TME) responsiveness and in vivo self-assembly strategies.

Main Results:

• Metal-coordinated supramolecular nanoassemblies can modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• TME-responsive organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials can be constructed in vivo.
• Strategies for enhancing tumor accumulation of theranostic molecules are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Metal-coordinated supramolecular nanoassemblies represent a promising strategy for cancer theranostics.
• TME-responsive in vivo coordinated self-assembly offers superior tumor targeting.
• Further research is needed to address challenges for clinical translation.