Future directions of nanocatalysts in precision medicine: from catalytic therapy to intelligent nanozymes.

Abstract

The scope of nanomedicine may be broadened by nanocatalysts, which can actively modulate biochemical reactions in vivo. Of these nanocatalysts, nanozymes (nanomaterials with intrinsic enzyme-like activity) probably have received the most attention. Their activity can catalyze a reaction similar to peroxidase, catalase, oxidase, superoxide dismutase, or glutathione peroxidase, depending on composition, thus generating or scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) depending on the microenvironment. This review sketches the evolution of this field from first generation iron oxide nanozymes to more recent stimuli-responsive multi-enzyme nanostructures. Moreover, selected experimental studies are examined, starting from in vivo Fenton and Fenton-like chemodynamic therapy and cascade catalysis and oxygen-releasing nanozymes in cancer, to antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory nanozymes in regenerative medicine, neurological, cardiovascular, and infectious disease models, respectively. For every case, the specific nanozyme, the biological model, the proposed mechanism of action, and the primary results are outlined, while the amount of evidence supporting the work is rated. The challenges for translating these systems into the clinic are addressed, such as the selectivity of the catalytic process to the physiological H2O2 concentration, efficiency of biodistribution, availability of long-term safety studies, batch-to-batch consistency, and ambiguity on regulatory pathways. It is speculated which of these issues can be practically solved by machine learning and which are more resistant. Future strategies are envisioned in creating biohybrid, logic-gated nanozymes, omics-guided design, and in vitro autonomous discovery platforms. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable. This study does not involve any clinical trial and does not require trial registration.

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