Cascade nanozyme composite hydrogels: design strategies, preparation method and biomedical applications

Cascade nanozyme composite hydrogels, as an emerging class of bio-inspired therapeutic platforms, demonstrate remarkable potential in biomedical applications due to their synergistic catalytic functions and excellent biocompatibility. The integration of cascade nanozymes into hydrogel networks enables efficient multi-step catalytic reactions within specific biological environments, enhancing therapeutic precision and efficacy. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances in the rational design and fabrication of cascade nanozyme composite hydrogels, with particular emphasis on key preparation strategies such as physical crosslinking, chemical crosslinking, self-assembly, microfluidics, and 3D printing. We further provide a comprehensive overview of their diverse biomedical applications, including tumor therapy, wound healing, drug delivery, and biosensing, and discuss the underlying mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation, microenvironment remodeling, and controlled release. Finally, we outline current challenges related to stability, biocompatibility, and functional controllability, and propose future research directions for advancing these systems toward clinical translation and personalized medicine.