Surface Engineering of Nanocarriers for Programmed Interaction with Living Systems

This dissertation explores the transformative potential of surface engineering in defining the biological fate of nanocarriers. While poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is traditionally used as an inert "stealth" coating, this research re-imagines PEG coronas as dynamic hosts for adaptive molecular interactions. The core of the work introduces a pyrene-based adaptive insertion strategy, enabling the stable yet noncovalent anchoring of diverse functional ligands—ranging from small molecules to proteins—onto pre-formed nanocarriers.Through systematic investigation, the author demonstrates how this "mix-and-match" approach allows for spatially controlled surface functionalization, enhancing receptor-specific uptake and organelle targeting. Notable applications include the development of communicative nanomotors capable of inducing programmed cancer cell death (pyroptosis) and a novel "bio-protection" strategy using tetrazine chemistry to reversibly mask cell-surface thiols. By bridging fundamental supramolecular chemistry with advanced drug delivery, this thesis provides a modular and programmable platform for constructing sophisticated nano-bio interfaces, offering new directions for precision medicine and responsive therapeutic systems.