Tumor exosome-mimicking iron oxide nanoparticles for near infrared-responsive drug delivery

Nanoparticles are effective in drug delivery due to the capacity of drug loading and passive targeting effect. However, the nanoparticles tend to be recognized by the mononuclear phagocyte system and cleared from the circulatory system. As an endogenous material, exosome is thermosensitive and can avoid the recognition of macrophages. Researchers at Jiangsu University have developed tumor exosome-mimicking Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and photothermal therapy of cancer. The nanoparticles showed prominent biocompatibility and photothermal properties. Upon the irradiation of near-infrared light, the nanoparticles could release the drug rapidly and achieve a synergistic photothermal-chemotherapeutic effect.