Biomimetic Phytic Acid–Metal–Albumin Nanocomplexes for Tumor-Selective, Bioclearable Theranostics

Abstract

Conventional nanoparticles for tumor imaging and therapy often fail due to poor clearance, prolonged circulation, and toxic off-target effects. We introduce a biomimetic phytic acid (PA)–metal–albumin nanoternary complex that repurposes the body’s natural PA–metal–protein assembly/clearance axis to enable tumor-targeted theranostics. The platform is serum-stable, bioclearable, and supports a broad spectrum of imaging and therapeutic payloads. For example, PA chelates manganese (Mn2+) for high-contrast T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, platinum (Pt) for chemotherapy, and radium-223 (Ra-223) for alpha radiotherapy. In the acidic environment of tumor endosomes, the complexes undergo programmed aggregation to maximize intratumoral retention, while systemic elimination follows physiological detox pathways. Released Mn2+ enhances cGAS–STING immune activation, amplifying antitumor responses. This clearance-competent, biomimetic nanoplatform unifies imaging, therapy, and immune modulation, advancing precision oncology with strong translational potential.