Nanozyme-based therapeutics: bridging catalysis and nanomedicine

Nanozymes are engineered nanoparticles that mimic enzyme-like catalytic activities and have gained significant attention in bioanalytical and biomedical applications. A broad range of nanomaterials has been explored for their intrinsic catalytic properties, and with suitable optimization, these systems can exhibit enzyme-comparable activity in biological environments. Consequently, nanozymes offer substantial potential as versatile catalytic platforms in nanomedicine. This review highlights recent advances in nanozyme research, emphasizing mechanistic understanding rather than strict kinetic equivalence to natural enzymes. Fundamental catalytic principles, including electron transfer, redox cycling, and surface-confined active-site behavior, are discussed to elucidate nanozyme function in complex biological systems. Particular focus is placed on the influence of structural features, surface functionalization, and cascade catalytic architectures on the activity of metal oxide- and carbon-based nanozymes. In addition, nanozymes responsive to tumor microenvironmental stimuli such as pH, hydrogen peroxide, and glutathione are examined for targeted redox modulation. Pharmacokinetic behavior and biosafety considerations are critically evaluated, addressing unresolved concerns related to long-term toxicity and biodistribution. Overall, nanozymes represent a promising class of catalytic nanomaterials for future nanomedicine platforms, provided systematic efforts ensure mechanistic rigor, standardized evaluation, and regulatory-aligned safety assessment.