In this work, a polymeric supramolecular nanocage was assembled from a host–guest superamphiphile composed by a comb-like poly-cyclodextrin and azo-functionalized prodrug. The design principle and preparation procedures were interpreted, while in vitro and in vivo experiments were undertaken to prove the concept. The nanocage can achieve a long circulation and slow drug-release kinetics, but the drug-release will be greatly accelerated upon transcutaneous photo irradiation. Hopefully, this work is useful in illustrating the construction of controllable drug-delivery systems employing non-invasive triggers.

Bioactive or nutraceutical ingredients have been widely used in pursuit of health and well-being. However, the environmental instability, poor solubility and bioavailability, and unspecific delivery highly limited their practical values. By virtue of the unique shell-like structure, definite disassembly/reassembly behavior, and excellent safety profile of ferritin protein, it stands out among of various nano-materials and is emerging as one of the most promising vehicles for the encapsulation and delivery of bioactive ingredients or drugs. In this review, we present a systematic overview of recent advances of ferritin-based delivery systems from single-encapsulation, co-encapsulation, to compartmentalized-encapsulation of bioactive ingredients or drugs. Different encapsulation strategies for cargo loading as well as their advantages and drawbacks have been critically reviewed. This study emphasized the importance of the construction of compartmentalized delivery systems through the usage of ferritin nanocages, which exhibit great potential for facilitating the synergistic functionality of different types of cargos. Lastly, the applications of ferritin nanocages for physicochemical improvements and functionality achievements of loaded cargos are summarized. In conclusion, ferritin protein nanocages not only are excellent nanocarriers, but also can act as“multi-seated” vehicles for co-encapsulation and compartmentalized encapsulation of different cargos simultaneously.

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Jenny
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Journal of Nano Research & Applications