Controlled Recognition and Corona Formation by Cascade Micellar Nanoprobes: for Boosting Glioma Theranostics.

Both tumor-cell-targeting and BBB (blood-brain barrier)-penetrating ability are the key characteristics for glioma theranostics. We established one type of nanomicellar probe functionalized with a newly developed peptide WES. The micellar system could enact a series of cascaded functions in living bodies. It could specifically recruit the ApoE corona in blood circulation rather than perform nonspecific protein absorption. Following, it could penetrate into the BBB in an active manner. Finally, and most importantly, it could recognize and target the tumor marker as well as deliver drugs effectively toward glioma. The cascaded micellar system has shown satisfactory therapeutic ability for glioma in both a subcutaneous and orthotopic model, which provides a prospective strategy for brain cancer treatment.