Zinc-based Nanomaterials in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions

Metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells has resulted in a preference for aerobic glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation, leading to increased energy demand and elevated oxidative stress. Zinc ions and Zn-based nanomaterials show promise in targeting these metabolic changes and enhancing cancer therapies. Zn-based nanomaterials (e.g., ZnO₂, ZnO, ZIF-8, ZnS) disrupt tumor energy metabolism and induce oxidative stress via Zn²⁺ release in the tumor microenvironment, thereby promoting metabolic dysfunction, apoptosis, and focal cell death. These materials can also be integrated into multimodal therapies for synergistic effects, including photodynamic, acoustic, gaseous, and immunotherapy. This review discusses the mechanisms of Zn-based nanomaterials disrupting tumor metabolism and inducing oxidative stress, their applications in cancer therapy, and future directions for development. By systematically summarizing the research progress of Zn-based nanomaterials, we aim to provide new ideas and strategies for cancer therapy.