Cell membrane-based biomimetic technology for cancer phototherapy: Mechanisms, recent advances and perspectives

Despite significant advances in medical technology and antitumour treatments, the diagnosis and treatment of tumours have undergone remarkable transformations. Noninvasive phototherapy methods, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), have gained significant interest in antitumour medicine. However, traditional photosensitisers or photothermal agents face challenges like immune system recognition, rapid clearance from the bloodstream, limited tumour accumulation, and phototoxicity concerns. Researchers combine photosensitisers or photothermal agents with natural cell membranes to overcome these obstacles to create a nano biomimetic therapeutic platform. When used to coat nanoparticles, red blood cells, platelets, cancer cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and bacterial outer membranes could provide prolonged circulation, tumour targeting, immune stimulation, or antigenicity. This article covers the principles of cellular membrane biomimetic nanotechnology and phototherapy, along with recent advancements in applying nano biomimetic technology to PDT, PTT, PCT, and combined diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the challenges and issues of using nano biomimetic nanoparticles in phototherapy are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Currently, there has been significant progress in the field of cell membrane biomimetic technology. Researchers are exploring its potential application in tumor diagnosis and treatment through phototherapy. Scholars have conducted extensive research on combining cell membrane technology and phototherapy in anticancer diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to highlight the mechanisms of phototherapy and the latest advancements in single phototherapy (PTT, PDT) and combination phototherapy (PCT, PRT, and PIT), as well as diagnostic approaches. The review provides an overview of various cell membrane technologies, including RBC membranes, platelet membranes, macrophage cell membranes, tumour cell membranes, bacterial membranes, hybrid membranes, and their potential for anticancer applications under phototherapy. Lastly, the review discusses the challenges and future directions in this field.