Nanomedicine‐Enabled Chemical Regulation of Reactive X Species for Versatile Disease Treatments

Abstract

Reactive X species (RXS), encompassing elements such as O, N, C, S, Se, Cl, Br, I, and H, play vital roles in cell biology and physiological function, impacting cellular signal transduction, metabolic regulation and disease processes. The redox unbalance of RXS is firmly implicated in an assortment of physiological and pathological disorders, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the intricate nature and multifactorial dependence of RXS pose challenges in comprehending and precisely modulating their biological behavior. Nanomaterials with distinct characteristics and biofunctions offer promising avenues for generating or scavenging RXS to maintain redox homeostasis and advance disease therapy. This minireview provides a tutorial summary of the relevant chemistry and specific mechanisms governing different RXS, focusing on cellular metabolic regulation, stress responses, and the role of nanomedicine in RXS generation and elimination. The challenges associated with chemically regulating RXS for diverse disease treatments are further discussed along with the future prospects, aiming to facilitate the clinical translation of RXS‐based nanomedicine and open new avenues for improved therapeutic interventions.

Nanozymes: a new approach for leukemia therapy

“…After the first evidence of ferromagnetic nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 NPs) possessing POD-like activity in 2007, 17 a large number of nanozymes with various catalytic activities were developed, and more than 49 elements have been employed to synthesize nanozymes, such as in noble metal nanoparticles (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd), metal oxide nanoparticles (Cu 2 O, CeO 2 , MnO 2 ), and other nanomaterials (Prussian blue, graphene oxide). 66–68 The study of nanozymes has evolved from random synthesis to controllable rational design, greatly improving their catalytic activities, approaching or even surpassing those of natural enzymes. 69…”

“…Nanozymes, paralleling these natural enzyme systems, demonstrate similar or even enhanced catalytic abilities, thus effectively regulating ROS levels through intrinsic oxidation–reduction reactions. 67 This section focuses primarily on the catalytic activities of nanozymes that contribute to ROS regulation.…”