Scheme 1.
Schematic representation for (A) the preparation of DHTPAuNCs and (B) hypothetical subcellular drug release behaviors and cellular uptake pathways.
Abbreviations: AuNCs, gold nanocages; DAuNC, DOX-loaded AuNC; DHAuNC, DOX-loaded and HA-grafted AuNC; DHTPAuNCs, DOX-loaded, HA-grafted, and A54 peptide-targeted PEGylated AuNCs; DOX, doxorubicin; HA, hyaluronic acid; NIR, near-infrared irradiation.