Catalytic Nanozyme: Unlocking new horizons in articular cartilage degeneration treatment

Articular cartilage diseases rank among the most prevalent and debilitating health conditions worldwide, substantially impairing patients' quality of life and placing significant burdens on healthcare systems. Existing therapeutic strategies primarily focus on alleviating symptoms and decelerating disease progression; however, their efficacy is often constrained and may be associated with substantial adverse effects. Owing to their unique catalytic properties and biocompatibility, nanozymes have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for articular cartilage diseases. They can mitigate joint inflammation via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways while promoting cartilage regeneration and repair, thereby providing innovative treatment opportunities. Recent years have witnessed the design and application of diverse nanozymes for articular cartilage disease management. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progress in nanozyme-based therapies for articular cartilage diseases. It begins by examining the pervasive impact of these diseases, addresses the constraints of current therapeutic approaches, and highlights advances in nanozyme research. Next, it discusses the rational design and synthesis of nanozymes through techniques such as density functional theory, machine learning, biomimetic design, and chemical engineering. The catalytic mechanisms through which nanozymes exert therapeutic effects are also briefly elucidated. Subsequently, attention is directed to the inflammatory microenvironment in articular cartilage, which is central to both the onset and progression of these diseases. The review then summarizes the latest findings on nanozyme applications in articular cartilage disease treatment and describes the clinical challenges involving nanozyme-based interventions. Finally, it identifies current challenges and explores future prospects for integrating nanozymes into therapeutic strategies against articular cartilage diseases.