Cryptobiosis-inspired assembly of “AND” logic gate platform for potential tumor-specific drug delivery

Developing tumor-specific drug delivery systems with minimized off-target cargo leakage remains an enduring challenge. In this study, inspired from the natural cryptobiosis explored by certain organisms and stimuli-responsive polyphenol‒metal coordination chemistry, doxorubicin (DOX)-conjugated gelatin nanoparticles with protective shells formed by complex of tannic acid and Fe(III) (DG@TA-Fe(III) NPs) were successfully developed as an “AND” logic gate platform for tumor-targeted DOX delivery. Moreover, benefiting from the well-reported photothermal conversion ability of TA-Fe(III) complex, a synergistic tumor inhibition effect was confirmed by treating 4T1 tumor-bearing mice with DG@TA-Fe(III) NPs and localized near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. As a proof of concept study, this work present a simple strategy for developing “AND” logic gate platforms by coating enzyme-degradable drug conjugates with detachable polyphenol‒metal shells.