Research Advances of Cellular Nanoparticles as Multiplex Countermeasures

Abstract

Cellular nanoparticles (CNPs), fabricated by coating natural cell membranes onto nanoparticle cores, have been widely used to replicate cellular functions for various therapeutic applications. Specifically, CNPs act as cell decoys, binding harmful molecules or infectious pathogens and neutralizing their bioactivity. This neutralization strategy leverages the target’s functional properties rather than its structure, resulting in broad-spectrum efficacy. Since their inception, CNP platforms have undergone significant advancements to enhance their neutralizing capabilities and efficiency. This review traces the research advances of CNP technology as multiplex countermeasures across four categories with progressive functions: neutralization through cell membrane binding, simultaneous neutralization using both cell membrane and nanoparticle core, continuous neutralization via enzymatic degradation, and enhanced neutralization through membrane modification. The review highlights the structure–property relationship in CNP designs, showing the functional advances of each category of CNP. By providing an overview of CNPs in multiplex neutralization of a wide range of chemical and biological threat agents, this article aims to inspire the development of more advanced CNP nanoformulations and uncover innovative applications to address unresolved medical challenges.