Manganese-based nanomaterials in diagnostics and chemodynamic therapy of cancers: new development

In the realm of cancer treatment, traditional modalities like radiotherapy and chemotherapy have achieved certain advancements but continue to grapple with challenges including harm to healthy tissues, resistance to treatment, and adverse drug reactions. The swift progress in nanotechnology recently has opened avenues for investigating innovative approaches to cancer therapy. Especially, chemodynamic therapy (CDT) utilizing metal nanomaterials stands out as an effective cancer treatment choice owing to its minimal side effects and independence from external energy sources. Transition metals like manganese are capable of exerting anti-tumor effects through a Fenton-like mechanism, with their distinctive magnetic properties playing a crucial role as contrast agents in tumor diagnosis and treatment. Against this backdrop, this review emphasizes the recent five-year advancements in the application of manganese (Mn) metal ions within nanomaterials, particularly highlighting their unique capabilities in catalyzing CDT and enhancing MRI imaging. Initially, we delineate the biomedical properties of manganese, followed by an integrated discussion on the utilization of manganese-based nanomaterials in CDT alongside multimodal therapies, and delve into the application and future outlook of manganese-based nanomaterial-mediated MRI imaging techniques in cancer therapy. By this means, the objective is to furnish novel viewpoints and possibilities for the research and development in future cancer therapies.