Therapeutic Materials for Ferroptosis Inhibition: from Design to Applications

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death process driven by lipid peroxidation, is increasingly being recognized as a pivotal mechanism in the pathogenesis and progression of numerous diseases. Emerging evidence indicates that inhibition of ferroptosis has excellent therapeutic effects against these diseases. However, the therapeutic effects of traditional ferroptosis inhibitors are limited by their nonspecific targeting and short duration of activity. Recently, novel materials with ferroptosis-inhibiting properties have emerged to effectively address these problems. This review revisits the history and key features of ferroptosis, explore its role in various diseases, and identify potential therapeutic targets. This work then introduces the diverse materials used in ferroptosis therapy, emphasizing how they are designed to target specific features of the pathological microenvironment. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities for therapeutic materials for ferroptosis-related diseases are outlined, establishing a conceptual framework to guide rational design principles for ferroptosis-targeting materials. This review should help develop new materials for ferroptosis inhibition with improved biophysicochemical properties and therapeutic effects.