Engineering Layered Nanomaterials for Cancer Theranostics: Current Progress and Future Opportunities

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Layered nanomaterials (LNs) offer tunable physicochemical properties for advanced cancer theranostics.
• Conventional nanoplatforms face limitations in precision and efficacy for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in atomic-level engineering of LNs for cancer theranostics.
• To discuss various engineering strategies and their impact on theranostic performance.
• To evaluate the advantages, limitations, and clinical translation challenges of engineered LNs.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of atomic-level engineering strategies for LNs.
• Analysis of five key engineering approaches: crystal phase, defect, heteroatom doping, interlayer spacing, and crystalline-to-amorphous phase engineering.
• Discussion of synthetic methods, mechanisms, and theranostic applications (photothermal conversion, ROS generation, multimodal imaging).

Main Results:

• Atomic-level engineering significantly enhances LN properties for cancer theranostics.
• Specific strategies optimize photothermal conversion, reactive oxygen species generation, and multimodal imaging capabilities.
• Evaluation of advantages and limitations provides a balanced view of strategy applicability.

Conclusions:

• Atomic-level engineering is crucial for advancing LN-based cancer theranostics.
• Addressing challenges in structural stability, biosafety, and scalability is vital for clinical translation.
• Future research should focus on intelligent, adaptive, and personalized LN nanomedicines for precision oncology.