Biomimetic red blood cell membrane-coated FePt metal–organic framework nanoparticles: a multifunctional theranostic system for enhanced MRI and targeted therapy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique that provides high-resolution tissue imaging, making it a potential tool for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) imaging diagnosis. However, effective visualization of HCC-related molecular changes requires advanced nanoscale contrast agents with surface modifications for specific biomarker binding. Iron-platinum nanoparticles (FePt NPs) are widely used for T2-weighted MRI contrast but are rapidly degraded by macrophages, limiting their accumulation and signal enhancement in vivo. To address this issue, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can encapsulate FePt NPs to improve stability and imaging contrast. Additionally, red blood cell membrane (RBC-m) coating enhances tumor tissue accumulation, enabling real-time tracking and diagnosis of HCC. Initial studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology in HCC imaging diagnosis, contributing to disease monitoring and treatment evaluation. With further optimization, these nanocomposite probes have the potential to enhance MRI-based HCC diagnostics, bridging molecular biology and clinical imaging to advance personalized medicine.