Figure 1.

(A) Schematic diagram of preparation of CytoC/aNGs/Gel that was obtained by mixing CytoC/aNGs and precursors (Fmoc-F and FF-Dopa) with the WQ9-2 protease. (B) Schematic diagram of CytoC/aNGs/Gel as a drug depot for localized delivery of CytoC, which prolonged tumor retention and supported sustainable release of CytoC/aNGs. (1) The released aNGs from the hydrogel was endocytosed by the tumor cells, and responsively released encapsulated CytoC in the acidic endo-lyosomes; (2) the released CytoC transported into the cytoplasm by endo-lysosomal disruption caused by aNGs with the proton sponge effect; (3) CytoC in the cytoplasm activated the intrinsic apoptosis pathway to cause the tumor cell death.