Advancing precision tumor therapy: Progress in targeted delivery of peptide-based nanomaterials from microenvironment to organelles

Precisely targeted delivery of antitumor agents is a key strategy for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy. By leveraging specific tumor characteristics, functional modifications can construct highly selective delivery systems to optimize nanomedicine distribution at tumor sites. Owing to their editable sequences, peptides can be engineered into various targeting ligands for nanomaterial functionalization. Through specific receptor-ligand interactions, these modified nanomaterials achieve enhanced tumor-specific localization and deep penetration, enabling precise therapeutic agent delivery and improved treatment outcomes. This paper systematically reviews recent advances in peptide-based nanomaterials for tumor-targeted therapy. Based on molecular recognition, we present their applications in targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) (including vasculature,immune cells, extracellular matrix, and associated fibroblasts), tumor cells, and organelles (such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum [ER], Golgi apparatus, and nucleus). Furthermore, we provide an in-depth discussion of the opportunities and challenges these materials face in drug-targeted delivery, aiming to support the advancement of tumor-targeting nanomedicine.