Multi-Stimulus-Responsive and Magnetic Nanoflow Drug Delivery System with Controlled Release Features for Chemotherapy and Photothermal Synergy

Carbon nanotubes have been efficiently used as smart multimodal nanodrug carriers to improve the targeted antitumor efficacy of therapeutic agents. In this study, we report the development of a multifunctionalized nanoplatform based on MnO₂-coated hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene-curcumin-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-disulfide (HCCP-CUR-HPS)-functionalized magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes (M-MWNTs) for targeted cancer therapy. The nanocarrier integrates chemotherapeutic agents, paclitaxel (PTX) and curcumin (CUR), into a robust system with superior biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and magnetic responsiveness. Comprehensive structural and morphological analyses confirmed successful functionalization and drug loading. The dual pH- and glutathione (GSH)-responsive features of the nanocarrier lead to the efficient release of drugs under acidic and reductive conditions typical of cancerous tissues, while maintaining structural integrity in a normal physiological environment. The nanocarrier also exhibited remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency under 808 nm laser irradiation, achieving effective heat generation for cancer cell ablation. Cytotoxicity evaluations via the CCK-8 assay revealed selective cytotoxicity toward HeLa cells, while demonstrating minimal toxicity to normal cells (LO₂). Furthermore, combinational chemo-photothermal therapy significantly enhanced the therapeutic efficacy, achieving synergistic tumor cell destruction. The magnetic properties of the nanocarrier enable precise targeting, while its hemocompatibility ensures minimal blood-related side effects. These findings underscore the potential of MnO₂@PTX@HCCP-CUR-HPS@M-MWNTs as a promising dual-modal agent for cancer therapy.