Frontiers of nanozymes: Enhancing cancer diagnosis and therapeutic strategies

Scientists are intrigued by the enzyme-like characteristics of nanozymes, which connect nanotechnology and biology. In 2007, nanozyme research exploded with the discovery of enzyme-mimicking magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). Over the last decade, nanozymes have revealed their catalytic secrets and expanded their applications. Biocatalytic tumor treatment uses nanozymes as a tiny enzyme mimics, to treat various cancers. This method combines nanotechnology and enzyme-driven biocatalysis. In addition, novel nanocatalysts usually employ multivalent ions as catalyst centres and are widely reported to outperform enzymes in catalysis. They also have better stability in living organisms, functional versatility, and lower production costs. A recent study suggests that nanozymes for biocatalytic tumor treatment could be promising because malignant tumors can change or alter numerous enzymes. Furthermore, the current research in this domain focuses more on iron-based nanostructures because they are simple to make, biocompatible, have promising physical properties, and can catalyze biological processes efficiently; and largely increase tumor hypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated damage via ferroptosis. Apart from the above-mentioned properties, nanozymes can increase chromogenic or fluorogenic chemical oxidation with certain analytes. This colour change or fluorescence signal can identify and quantify the target biomarker. This review covers nanozyme research for the medical purposes, including their inherent enzymatic properties, biosensing applications for biomarker detection, and other intriguing potential. We also addressed major issues that might impact their clinical use and future progress.