Interfacially responsive electron transfer and matter conversion by polydopamine‐mediated nanoplatforms for advancing disease theranostics

Abstract Polydopamine (PDA) is an artificial melanin polymer that has been spotlighted due to its extraordinary optoelectronic characteristics and advance theranosctic applications in biomaterial fields. Moreover, interactions on the nano–bio interface interplay whereby substances exchange in response to endogenous or exogenous stimuli, and electron transfer driven by light, energy‐level transitions, or electric field greatly affect the functional performance of PDA‐modified nanoparticles. The full utilization of potential in PDA's interfacial activities, optoelectrical properties and related responsiveness is therefore an attractive means to construct advanced nanostructures for regulating biological processes and metabolic pathways. Herein, we strive to summarize recent advances in the construction of functional PDA‐based nanomaterials with state‐of‐the‐art architectures prepared for modulation of photoelectric sensing and redox reversibility, as well as manipulation of photo‐activated therapeutics. Meanwhile, contributions of interfacial electron transfer and matter conversion are highlighted by discussing the structure–property‐function relationships and the biological effects in their featured applications including disease theranostics, antibacterial activities, tissue repair, and combined therapy. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives in this emerging research field will also be outlined. Recent advances on polydopamine‐based nanotherapeutics with an emphasis on their interfacial activities, optoelectrical properties and related responsiveness are reviewed for providing insightful guidance to the rational design of integrated theranostic nanoplatforms with high performance in the biomedical fields. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology