Rationally designed modular train-style nanorobots for multi-modal colorectal cancer therapy

Targeted penetration enabled by special bioactive coatings and regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment are crucial for effective nanorobot therapy. Recently, researchers reported a modular train-style nanorobot in which exosomal “heads,” catalytic “bodies,” and photothermal “tails” were spatially segregated to optimize individual functions. Consequently, distinct propulsion, targeting, and microenvironment-modulating capabilities were integrated across connected modules, resulting in enhanced tumor penetration, metabolic reprogramming, and immune activation, thus leading to a satisfactory therapeutic effect in orthotopic colorectal cancer models.