Transition-Metal-Based Nanozymes: Synthesis, Mechanisms of Therapeutic Action, and Applications in Cancer Treatment

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Transition-metal-based nanozymes represent a promising class of nanodrugs for advanced cancer therapy.
• Recent advancements focus on developing efficient and targeted nanozyme-based treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of transition-metal-based nanozymes for cancer treatment.
• To outline preparation strategies, catalytic mechanisms, and regulatory approaches for nanozymes.
• To discuss diverse therapeutic applications and future directions in the field.

Main Methods:

• Review of synthesis methods including hydrothermal, solvothermal, chemical reduction, biomimetic mineralization, and sol-gel.
• Elucidation of nanozyme catalytic activities: catalase (CAT)-like, peroxidase (POD)-like, oxidase (OXD)-like, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like.
• Analysis of activity regulation strategies: morphology, size, composition, and surface modification.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of various preparation techniques for transition-metal nanozymes.
• Explanation of multiple catalytic mechanisms and strategies for optimizing nanozyme activity.
• Exploration of applications in radiotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, sonodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and synergistic therapy.

Conclusions:

• Transition-metal nanozymes offer versatile platforms for cancer therapy with diverse catalytic activities.
• Optimizing nanozyme properties and understanding their mechanisms are crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
• Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges and enhance clinical translation of nanozyme-based cancer treatments.