Nanomaterials Self-assembled from Peptide/Poly(amino acid) for Cancer Theranostics

Owing to the excellent biocompatibility, chemical diversity and sequence dependent bioactivity, peptides/poly(amino acids) have been widely used in biomedical applications, especially in tumor theranostics. However, there are still certain drawback of peptide/poly(amino acid) to overcome for future clinical applications, such as limited optical properties, short half-life and fast clearance rate. In this feature article, we describe the sequence design, side chain modification and self-assembled spatial structure of peptide/poly(amino acid). Such factors endow them with additional optical properties and enhanced pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and immunological properties. We focus on the applications of biomaterials self-assembled from peptides/poly(amino acids) in the aspect of tumor diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, we propose important challenges and future prospects of peptide/poly(amino acid)-based biomaterials for tumor diagnosis and treatment. [GRAPHICS] .