Controllable delivery of small-molecule compounds to targeted cells utilizing carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as a new alternative and efficient tool for transporting molecules with biotechnological and biomedical applications, because of their remarkable physicochemical properties. Encapsulation of functional molecules into the hollow chambers of CNTs can not only stabilize encapsulated molecules but also generate new nanodevices. In this work, we have demonstrated that CNTs can function as controllable carriers to transport small-molecule compounds (SMCs) loaded inside their hollow tunnels onto targeted cells. Using indole as model compound, CNTs can protect indole molecules during transportation. Labeling indole-loaded CNTs (indole@CNTs) with EphB4-binding peptides generates cell-homing indole@CNTs (CIDs). CIDs can selectively target EphB4-expressing cells and release indole onto cell surfaces by near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. Released indole molecules exhibit significant cell-killing effects without causing local overheating. This establishes CNTs as excellent near-infrared controllable delivery vehicles for SMCs as selective cell-killing agents.