Magnetism and photo dual-controlled supramolecular assembly for suppression of tumor invasion and metastasis

Supramolecular nanoassemblies that respond to multiple stimuli exhibit high therapeutic efficacy against malignant tumors. We report a new type of supramolecular nanofiber that integrates targeting peptide–coated magnetic nanoparticles with β-cyclodextrin–bearing polysaccharides in a complex held together by multivalent interactions. The nanofibers not only exhibited reversible photo-triggered association and disassociation depending on irradiation wavelength but also underwent magnetic field–controlled directional aggregation, even in the rather weak geomagnetic field. The nanofibers markedly suppressed invasion by and metastasis of cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, compared with control mice, tumor-burdened mice treated with the nanofibers showed a lower rate of mortality from the metastatic spread of tumor cells. Our results suggest that these geomagnetism- and photo-controlled nanofibers may facilitate the rapid development of efficacious anticancer therapies.