Nano theranostics platforms that utilize proteins

•The nano-platforms for theranostics by utilizing protein are reviewed.•The recent advances in the development of drug delivery system, theranostics and phototherapy.•The challenges and opportunities that exist for future investigations of theranostics. Proteins have received increasing attention as a novel platform for drug delivery and phototheranostic agents that may serve as new nanomedicines. In drug delivery system, proteins can act as powerful tools with self-assembled structures, triggering groups, receptors and agents to enhance cell penetration. Compared to other nanoparticle based theranostics, nano-platforms for theranostics by utilizing proteins have unique merits, such as higher loading capacities and high efficiency of photosensitizers in phototherapies. However, the full potential of protein-based theranostics has not been achieved thus far. In this review, recent advances made in this area were discussed following a format based on proteins in drug delivery systems, proteins-dye complexes for phototherapy of cancer, proteins nanoparticles for imaging-guided cancer therapy such as fluorescent imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US) Imaging, PA imaging and proteins-based nanoprobes and nanostructures. Importantly, this discussion also provides a view of future advances that will likely be made in this area and their potential clinical applications.