Aptamer-Functionalized AuNR Nanoplatform for Active Targeted Chemo-Photothermal Therapy of Tumor

Chemo-photothermal therapy has emerged as a promising approach for clinical tumor treatment, effectively circumventing drug resistance and minimizing the side effects associated with chemotherapy (CHT) drugs. However, this therapeutic strategy is significantly limited by the poor accumulation capacity of the nanomaterials. In pursuit of innovative nanomaterials for precise diagnosis and effective treatment, an active targeted nanoplatform AuNR/Apt-M@DOX was constructed. This nanoplatform was fabricated by integrating gold nanorods (AuNR) with a polymorphic epithelial mucin (MUC1) aptamer (Apt-M). Concurrently, doxorubicin (DOX) was intercalated into the DNA double helix formed by Apt-M, enabling targeted drug delivery. Facilitated by Apt-M-mediated recognition and endocytosis, the nanoplatform was selectively delivered into the tumor site. Subsequently, the excellent photothermal properties of AuNR under NIR irradiation enabled effective photothermal therapy (PTT). Meanwhile, a weak acidic environment and NIR laser simultaneously triggered the release of DOX, achieving chemotherapy (CHT). Under NIR laser irradiation, the nanoplatform exhibited excellent performance in chemo-photothermal therapy and successfully inhibited tumor growth. This work presents a novel concept of a nanoplatform for enhanced tumor ablation, dual stimuli-responsive drug release, and the combination of CHT and PTT in a drug-loaded nanoplatform.