Pollen-inspired magnetic nanoparticles with dual-recognition sensing interfaces for intelligent-response modulation of circulating tumor cells capture and release.

A critical prerequisite for translating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection technologies into clinical practice is achieving high-efficiency capture and non-destructive release of low-abundance CTCs in blood. In recent years, innovative designs and surface modification of bioinspired topological micro/nanostructured materials have provided efficient solutions to capture and release CTCs. Motivated by pollen morphology and multimodal regulation, this study designed pollen-inspired spiky topological magnetic nanoparticles (IP-GSMNs) based on dual-recognition interface and intelligent-response modulation for high-efficiency capture and non-destructive release of CTCs from peripheral whole blood. The spiky protrusions on the surface of IP-GSMNs structurally match the extended filopodia of CTCs. Furthermore, IP-GSMNs were functionalized via gradient surface modification with intelligent-response materials, antifouling brush layers, and specific targeting molecules. These components collectively promoted multivalent interactions between IP-GSMNs and CTCs. A maximum CTC capture efficiency of 96.36 % ± 0.36 % was achieved while CTCs were released with an efficiency of 90.23 % ± 4.91 %, and viability of the released CTCs reached 99.77 % ± 0.40 %. Meanwhile, an intelligent-response multimodal regulatory platform integrating structural adaptation, interface regulation, molecular recognition, and dynamic dissociation was constructed. This platform achieved CTC capture counts ranging from 4 to 29 across 14 cancer patient blood samples while maintaining viability and integrity of released CTCs during dissociation. Importantly, this CTC capture-release platform established a non-invasive tumor profiling system for early diagnosis, therapeutic efficacy monitoring and personalized treatment, providing both scientific value and clinical significance for the development of precision oncology.