Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems hold promise for cancer treatment by enhancing the solubility and stability of anti-tumor drugs. Nonetheless, the challenges of inadequate targeting and limited biocompatibility persist. In recent years, cell membrane nano-biomimetic drug delivery systems have emerged as a focal point of research and development, due to their exceptional traits, including precise targeting, low toxicity, and good biocompatibility. This review outlines the categorization and advantages of cell membrane bionic nano-delivery systems, provides an introduction to preparation methods, and assesses their applications in cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and combination therapy. Notably, the review delves into the challenges in the application of various cell membrane bionic nano-delivery systems and identifies opportunities for future advancement. Embracing cell membrane-coated biomimetic nanoparticles presents a novel and unparalleled avenue for personalized tumor therapy.

Dimerization is a useful tool to boost ligand–receptor interaction. Both lipidation and dimerization effectively prolong the short half-life (t_1/2) of peptides by facilitating binding with serum albumin and increasing hydrodynamic size. Here, we described two novel GLP-1 conjugates with high glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor activation potencies, dimerized GLP-1 (Di-GLP-1) and lipidated Di-GLP-1 (Lip-Di-GLP-1). Di-GLP-1 and Lip-Di-GLP-1 were prepared through cysteine–maleimide specific coupling reactions using Gly₈-Cys₃₁-GLP-1, bis-maleimide amine, and activated palmitic acid. The receptor activation potencies of Di-GLP-1 and Lip-Di-GLP-1 were 13.6-fold and 9.5-fold higher than GLP-1, respectively. The in vivo hypoglycemic and insulinotropic activities of Di-GLP-1 and Lip-Di-GLP-1 were also better than GLP-1 in db/db mice. Furthermore, Lip-Di-GLP-1 was found to have greater circulating t_1/2 than synthesized liraglutide by 1.8-fold. Accordingly, the improved pharmacokinetic profiles of Lip-Di-GLP-1 resulted in protracted antidiabetic effects as confirmed by hypoglycemic duration test. Moreover, Lip-Di-GLP-1 administered in mice potently inhibits gastric emptying and reduce food intake. Chronic Lip-Di-GLP-1 treatment in db/db mice resulted in significant improvements in food intake, body weight, pancreatic function and corrected hyperglycemia, which was more effective than synthesized liraglutide. Our research indicated that combined dimerization and lipidation were effectively applied to GLP-1, and the preclinical results suggested the potential usage of Lip-Di-GLP-1 as a long-acting antidiabetic agent.