Target-triggered core-satellite self-assemblies based on strong dipole plasmon Pt-tipped Au triangular nanoprism for dual-signal detection of telomerase and enhanced phototherapy

•Core-satellite self-assembly enhanced the intensity of hot spots in the nanogaps.•The Raman signal of adenine in the nanogaps was significantly amplified.•Pt-tipped Au triangular nanoprism catalyzes oxygen generation to alter tumor hypoxia.•Core-satellite nanoplatform enhanced the synergistic therapy of tumors. The detection and imaging of human telomerase in living cells is of great significance for early diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Herein, we designed a new promising target-induced self-assembled core-satellite (C-S) structure for label-free Raman detection and fluorescence imaging of telomerase in cancer cells and enhanced photothermal and photodynamic treatment of tumors. Nanoprobe would be triggered by telomerase to form C-S structure to improve the intensity of hot spots and thus to generate intense SERS signal change of adenine (A) for label free Raman detection of telomerase, then the signal of chlorin e6 (Ce6) would be released for in situ fluorescence imaging. Our experimental findings proved that such a strategy exhibited great sensitivity and selectivity for telomerase. In addition, the Pt nanozymes decorated on the tip of Au TNPs showed good catalase-like capacity and stability which can convert endogenous H2O2 to produce O2 to avoid cell hypoxia and promote the generation of cytotoxic singlet oxygen (1O2) for enhanced photodynamic therapy of tumors. This nanoprobe was successfully employed for in situ imaging of telomerase in different kinds of cells and for combination therapy of tumors. It further proves that this is a new biological strategy with far-reaching significance for early cancer diagnosis and treatment.