Microbe-based fluorescent sensor composite for drug delivery and hepatocellular carcinoma suppression

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major clinical challenge due to its late diagnosis and poor prognosis. To address these limitations, we developed a novel gefitinib derivative (DCQ-Me) and integrated it into a multifunctional fluorescent nanosystem, AL-STEROID-CHO@DCQ-ME, designed for both targeted drug delivery and real-time tumor detection. The system exhibits ratiometric fluorescence behavior, enabling sensitive detection of the HCC biomarker GP73 through a new emission signal at 500 nm and a quantifiable intensity ratio (F500/F410), with a detection limit of 0.189 mmol L⁻¹. In vitro assays further demonstrated that AL-STEROID-CHO@DCQ-ME significantly inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in HCC cells. These results underline the dual functionality of the platform, offering precise diagnostic readouts alongside therapeutic efficacy. Overall, this study introduces an innovative theranostic strategy with potential to improve early detection and personalized treatment of liver cancer.