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Progress in enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors in diagnostics and therapeutics
Jinpeng Zhao1,2, Banghui Wang2, Mingzhe Yan2
1Qingdao Key Laboratory of Materials for Tissue Repair and Rehabilitation, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Tissue Rehabilitation Materials and Devices, School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266113, China.
Enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors (EMNMs) use enzymes for propulsion, offering biocompatible and safe medical applications. These motors can autonomously navigate and act within the body for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Enzymology
Background:
- Enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors (EMNMs) leverage biocatalysts for propulsion.
- They offer biocompatibility, biosafety, and autonomous *in vivo* catalytic reactions.
- EMNMs utilize abundant physiological substrates for autonomous navigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review EMNMs for disease diagnosis and treatment.
- To highlight advancements in medical applications of EMNMs.
- To discuss challenges and future directions in EMNM development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on EMNMs.
- Categorization of EMNMs by enzyme type and application.
- Analysis of *in vivo* catalytic reactions and propulsion mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Diverse EMNMs powered by enzymes like catalase and urease have been developed.
- EMNMs demonstrate potential for targeted diagnosis and therapy in disease environments.
- Successful autonomous propulsion achieved using endogenous fuels.
Conclusions:
- EMNMs represent a revolutionary approach to medical diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research is crucial to overcome challenges and enable clinical integration.
- Continued exploration will unlock the full potential of EMNMs in healthcare.
