Carrier-free multi-component self-assembled nano-systems have attracted widespread attention owing to their easy preparation, high drug-loading efficiency, and excellent therapeutic efficacy. In an article recently published in Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, researchers generated a MnAs-ICG nanospike by self-assembly of indocyanine green (ICG), manganese ions (Mn2+), and arsenate (AsO43−) based on electrostatic and coordination interactions, effectively integrating the bimodal imaging ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence (FL) imaging-guided synergistic therapy of photothermal/chemo/chemodynamic therapy within an "all-in-one" theranostic nano-platform.