Dual peptide-engineered and gadolinium-doped polydopamine particles as targeted nanotheranostics for the treatment of osteosarcoma and related osteolysis

•We designed a dual peptide-engineered and gadolinium-doped polydopamine particles.•The nanoparticles significantly enhanced photothermal treatment to bone tumors.•The nanoparticles could prevent osteolysis by inhibiting osteoclast activation.•Gadolinium ions enhanced magnetic resonance contrast and photoacoustic contrast.•This therapy provides a promising strategy to malignant bone tumors and osteolysis.