Nanocomplex becomes a master of shape-shifting to target tumour cells

A shape-shifting nanomedicine that exploits subtle differences in the cellular environment can selectively target and penetrate cancerous cells. The cofactor-assisted complex exists as stable nanofibres in the blood but assembles into virus-like clusters in the acidic conditions surrounding tumours. Once inside the tumour cells, the assembly rearranges again, releasing its drug cargo and inducing cell death with minimal side effects.