Harnessing carbon nanomaterials for reactive oxygen species regulation: Insights into generation, scavenging, and sensing

Carbon nanomaterials (CBNs) have driven significant research advances in medicine over the past decades due to their unique structures and properties. In particular, the role of CBNs in regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been extensively studied recently. ROS, primarily comprising free radicals and non-radical species of oxygen, are recognized as critical byproducts of cell metabolism. ROS level is vital for local cell and tissue homeostasis, facilitating cell–cell communication, and stabilizing the redox system under normal conditions. However, excessive accumulation of ROS can cause oxidative stress, leading to aging and serious pathologies. As a result, the regulation of ROS in various diseases has garnered significant attention. In this regard, understanding the interaction of CBNs with ROS is critical for their biomedical applications. This review article highlights the dual role of ROS in the tissue microenvironment and emphasizes the significance of the structure–property relationship of CBNs in regulating ROS. It further identifies emerging trends in recent studies on CBN-based ROS regulation including generation, scavenging, and sensing. Specifically, the potential for dynamic modulation of the tissue microenvironment through the combined generation and scavenging of ROS is highlighted. Finally, future perspectives are discussed, with a focus on discussing the biosafety and potential clinical applications of CBNs, along with recent advances in sensing technologies and a deeper understanding of redox biology. Together, these insights aim to provide a foundation for designing CBN-based biomaterials for both ROS therapeutic and monitoring applications.