A Biomimetic Nanomachine Reprograms Transmembrane ATP Flux to Induce Tumor‐Selective Bioenergetic Crisis

F Feng Cheng L Lei Zhan (Chongqing Science and Technology Bureau College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Key Laboratory of Biomedical Analytics (Southwest University) Southwest University Chongqing China) X Xiaomeng Chen (State Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science) C Chunmei Li H Hua Zuo (Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University) Ministry of Education College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Southwest University Chongqing China) C Chengzhi Huang (Chongqing Science and Technology Bureau College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Key Laboratory of Biomedical Analytics (Southwest University) Southwest University Chongqing China)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cancer cells maintain malignancy via dysregulated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and efflux, yet conventional ATP‐depleting therapies remain limited by transient efficacy and compensatory resistance. Here, we present a materials‐driven strategy for “transmembrane ATP flux reprogramming” that actively exploits extracellular ATP efflux to induce tumor‐selective bioenergetic collapse. An octopus‐like biomimetic nanomachine (named HSA‐ABC) equipped with ATP‐responsive modules that enable synchronized photodynamic membrane disruption and apoptosis‐triggered ATP release. Multivalent cholesterol anchors guide precise membrane localization, initiating a self‐amplifying therapeutic cycle: localized photodynamic membrane perturbation induces ATP release, which in turn gates the synchronized discharge of Chlorin e6 and doxorubicin, amplifying apoptosis and subsequent ATP leakage. This feedforward loop induces a selective bioenergetic crisis in malignant cells while sparing normal cells. In contrast to conventional metabolic interventions, this approach exploits the intrinsic adaptability of cancer cells to provoke self‐driven metabolic collapse. This work establishes a new class of metabolically adaptive nanomaterials capable of reprogramming energy flux dynamics, offering a versatile platform for precision anticancer therapy.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 25
Published May 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (6)

F

Feng Cheng

L

Lei Zhan

Chongqing Science and Technology Bureau College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Key Laboratory of Biomedical Analytics (Southwest University) Southwest University Chongqing China

X

Xiaomeng Chen

State Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science

C

Chunmei Li

H

Hua Zuo

Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University) Ministry of Education College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Southwest University Chongqing China

C

Chengzhi Huang

Chongqing Science and Technology Bureau College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Key Laboratory of Biomedical Analytics (Southwest University) Southwest University Chongqing China