Figure 2.

Schematic illustration of nanostructure-based multifunctional complexes. Cargos such as diagnostic probes (e.g., fluorescent or chromogenic dyes, radiotracers, or contrast agents), therapeutic agents (e.g., drugs, siRNA, natural compounds, or chemotherapeutics), surface coating (e.g., PEG, Gal, or mesoporous silica) and targeting ligands (e.g., antibodies or aptamers) can be attached/encapsulated to nanostructures using chemistry and surface modification methods. PEG, polyethylene glycol; Gal, galacto-oligosaccharides.