Prominent supramolecular systems for cancer Therapy: From structural design to tailored applications

Abstract

Supramolecular materials represent a powerful class of platforms in cancer diagnosis and therapy, owing to their dynamic architectures, stimuli responsiveness, and high biocompatibility. This review focused on three representative categories—Pillarene-based systems, virus-mimetic nanoparticles (VMNs), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—each offering unique structural and functional properties. Pillarene-based assemblies enable precise host–guest interactions, by being classified into amphiphilic, ionic, and chiral varieties, the robust drug loading and controlled release capabilities of the Pillarene family were emphasized. At the same time, the VMNs, including virus-like particles and virosomes, show power in cancer cell targeting and membrane penetration by emulating natural viral architectures. By discussing the fabrication and application of single-metallic, multi-metallic, and composite MOFs, their potential in multimodal diagnosis and therapy was revealed. In addition, other supramolecular categories, such as cyclodextrin and dendrimers, were introduced as well. We highlighted representative approaches and emerging methods, and comparative perspectives with traditional nanocarriers were included. A critical evaluation of pharmacokinetic behaviors, biosafety concerns, and translational limitations was also proposed, aiming to guide future research in supramolecular cancer nanomedicine. Through an integrative and forward-looking analysis, this review provided a comprehensive framework for understanding and designing supramolecular systems for precision oncology. These emerging nanotechnologies hold promise to reshape cancer medicine by enabling adaptive, targeted, and multifunctional therapeutic strategies.