Cell-Membrane-Anchored Upconversion Nanoprobe for Near-Infrared Light Triggered Cell–Cell Interactions

Manipulating cell–cell interactions is of great significance in cell communication and cell-based therapies. Although efforts have been made to construct cell–cell assembly by stimuli-responsive host–guest interactions, controllable cell–cell interactions by near-infrared (NIR) light triggered reversible assembly remain a challenge. Herein, we develop a NIR-controlled system based on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) modified upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for reversible and noninvasive manipulation of cell assembly and disassembly, which is realized by host–guest interactions between E/Z-photoisomerization of arylazopyrazole (AAP) and β-CD under the NIR irradiation. UCNPs can convert NIR to ultraviolet light, which leads to the transformation of AAP from the E-isomer to the Z-isomer. And it can be reverted back to the E-isomer under visible light irradiation. This reversible photoisomerization can modulate the host–guest interaction between β-CD and AAP, thus leading to reversible cell assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, by precise regulating cell–cell interactions by NIR light, cell–cell communication and molecular transportation can be realized. Given the diversity of host and guest molecules and the advantages of NIR light in biological applications, reversible cell–cell assembly has great potential for the regulation of cell behaviors and cell-based therapies.