Multifunctional non-viral delivery systems based on conjugated polymers.

Multifunctional nanomaterials with simultaneous therapeutic and imaging functions explore new strategies for the treatment of various diseases. Conjugated polymers (CPs) are considered as novel candidates to serve as multifunctional delivery systems due to their high fluorescence quantum yield, good photostability, and low cytotoxicity. Highly sensitive sensing and imaging properties of CPs are well reviewed, while the applications of CPs as delivery systems are rarely covered. This feature article mainly focuses on CP-based multifunctional non-viral delivery systems for drug, protein, gene, and cell delivery. Promising directions for the further development of CP-based delivery systems are also discussed.