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Updated: Feb 13, 2026
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Author Spotlight: Improving the Production of Self-Assembling Fibers and Peptide Hydrogels for Superior Biocompatibility
Published on: September 6, 2024
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In Vivo Programmed Assembly of Polymer-Peptide Conjugates to Overcome Multistage Drug Delivery Barriers
Su-Ling Zhang1,2,3, Fan-Chen Yu3, Ying-Hua Guan1
1CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing 100190, China.
ACS Nano
|February 12, 2026
Summary
This study introduces an intelligent nanodrug that assembles in the body. It uses ultrasound and pH to improve tumor penetration and cellular uptake for better cancer drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Efficient drug delivery to tumors faces biological barriers.
- Developing smart nanodrugs for targeted cancer therapy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a polymer-peptide conjugate (PPC) nanodrug for programmed in vivo assembly and disassembly.
- To enhance tumor penetration and cellular uptake for improved oncology treatment.
Main Methods:
- Developed a polymer-peptide conjugate (PPC) nanodrug system.
- Utilized ultrasound (US) and acidic pH for controlled nanodrug assembly and disassembly.
- Investigated nanoparticle size and charge tuning for targeted delivery.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 12-fold increase in tumor penetration efficiency.
- Demonstrated an 8.8-fold increase in cellular uptake.
- Showcased on-site disassembly and reassembly responsive to US and pH.
Conclusions:
- The intelligent nanodrug system effectively overcomes biological barriers in cancer drug delivery.
- This approach enhances precision and efficacy in nanomedicine for oncology.
- The polymer-peptide conjugate nanodrug represents a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy.
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