Bridging the gaps in cancer photothermal therapy through the intersection of nanotechnology and cell membrane coating

[Display omitted] •Cell membrane-coated DDSs are very potential in tumor targeting.•Photothermal therapy (PTT) showed high promise in the battle against cancer.•CM-coating is achieved using sonication, extrusion, or microfluidic electroporation.•Multimodal PTT offers comprehensive cancer treatment solutions. Photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a revolutionary approach in the battle against cancer, leveraging the principle of converting light energy into thermal energy to ablate tumor cells. Yet, its full potential is curtailed by challenges such as limited light penetration depth and the imperative of pinpoint tumor targeting. In navigating these hurdles, this review highlights the fusion of nano- and cell membrane (CM) coating technologies as a pathway towards ameliorating PTT's therapeutic efficiency. A meticulous exploration of temperature's effects on cells, photothermal transduction agents, and various preparation strategies in fabricating CM-coated nanomaterials form the backbone of this review. Illuminating recent advancements in the field, we discuss diverse targeting strategies-peptide, aptamer, homologous, and magnet-based. Additionally, we delve into the exploration of combined cancer treatment modalities incorporating PTT. Acknowledging the intricacies involved, this review also brings to light the challenges intrinsic to PTT and offers speculation on prospective research directions, focusing on the potential of CM-coated nanomaterials to amplify PTT's effectiveness in cancer therapy.