Discovery of Novel Multifunctional Paramagnetic Platforms: Cell Sorting and Theranostics Based on Active Molecules of Vascular Normalization

The novel multifunctional theranostic platform is highly regarded in clinical applications, often achieving desired outcomes in real-time tumor monitoring and personalized treatment. Paramagnetic micron/nanoparticles often exhibit strong magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast and high photothermal conversion efficiency, making them a powerful alternative to small-molecule contrast agents for MRI diagnostics. Additionally, these particles possess high modifiability, making them highly promising for clinical use in dual-modal imaging-guided personalized tumor therapy. Here, building on the vascular normalization-active molecule QDAU5 previously discovered by our research group, we address the clinical limitations of vascular normalization by proposing an MRI/photothermal imaging (PTI) dual-modal imaging-guided vascular normalization–photothermal synergistic strategy. Modification of a paramagnetic nanoplatform with QDAU5 enables magnetic-chemical dual targeting, reducing side effects while enhancing the efficacy. The study constructs a micrometer-sized multifunctional paramagnetic platform capable of T2-weighted MRI, photothermal conversion, and cell sorting, successfully capturing EphrinB2-high-expressing tumor cells at low concentrations. Furthermore, a novel nanotheranostic platform developed by using the same strategy demonstrates superior MRI/PTI dual-modal imaging performance, photothermal stability, and synergistic antitumor activity, offering a new approach for personalized cancer theranostics.