Nanotechnology-based strategies for ROS-mediated anticancer and antimicrobial therapies

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are chemically reactive oxygen derivatives which are capable of profoundly altering cellular pathways. Due to their ability to induce oxidative damage and damage cells, ROS have been explored as a promising avenue to combat cancer and treat pathogenic bacteria. Recent intersections in the development of nanotechnology and ROS-based therapeutics include engineered nanoparticles, enzyme-mimicking nanozymes, and metal-organic frameworks. These nanoplatforms allow refined control of spatiotemporal generation of ROS within desired tissue, improved ROS targeting of cancer lesions and at sites of bacterial infection, and concurrent delivery of ROS-incorporated, multi-therapeutic agents. In this review, we outline the fundamental principles and advancements of ROS-based nanotherapies that have been used against both malignant cells and pathogenic bacteria, including photodynamic, sonodynamic, chemodynamic, and radiotherapeutic approaches. In addition, we explore strategies that combine ROS with immunotherapy or antibiotics to elicit synergistic anti-cancer or antimicrobial effects. Although ROS-based therapies face challenges in the current landscape, including limited tissue penetration, toxicity, and difficulties with in vivo monitoring, there are ongoing efforts to address these hurdles. Once a better mechanistic understanding of ROS is established and key biosafety criteria are met, once these challenges are addressed, ROS-based nanotherapies can serve as a powerful tool against tumors and drug-resistant bacteria, enable more effective personalized treatments, and advance precision medicine.