Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction combined with Fe-MOF based bio-/enzyme-mimics nanoparticles for treating of cancer

Orchestrating apoptosis and ferroptosis through enhanced sonodynamic therapy using amorphous UIO-66-CoOx

The development of efficient and multifunctional sonosensitizers is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Herein, we have successfully constructed a CoOx-loaded amorphous metal-organic framework (MOF) UIO-66 (A-UIO-66-CoOx) sonosensitizer with excellent catalase (CAT)- and glutathione-oxidase (GSH-OXD)-like activities. The A-UIO-66-CoOx exhibits a 2.6-fold increase in singlet oxygen (1O2) generation under ultrasound (US) exposure compared to crystalline UIO-66 sonosensitizer, which is attributed to its superior charge transfer efficiency and consistent oxygen (O2) supply. Additionally, the A-UIO-66-CoOx composite reduces the expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPX4) by depleting glutathione (GSH) through Co3+ and Co2+ valence changes. The high levels of highly cytotoxic 1O2 and deactivation of GPX4 can lead to lethal lipid peroxidation, resulting in concurrent apoptosis and ferroptosis. Both in vitro and vivo tumor models comprehensively confirmed the enhanced SDT antitumor effect using A-UIO-66-CoOx sonosensitizer. Overall, this study emphasizes the possibility of utilizing amorphization engineering to improve the effectiveness of MOFs-based sonosensitizers for combined cancer therapies.

Hyperthermia/glutathione-triggered ferritin nanoparticles amplify the ferroptosis for synergistic tumor therapy

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed malignancy in women globally, and drug resistance is among the major obstacles to effective breast cancer treatment. Emerging evidence indicates that photothermal therapy and ferroptosis are both promising therapeutic techniques for the treatment of drug-resistant breast tumors. In this study, we proposed a thermal/ferroptosis/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) triple functional nanoparticle (I@P-ss-FRT) in which ferritin, an iron storage material with excellent cellular uptake capacity, was attached via disulfide bonds onto polydopamine coated iron oxide nanoparticle (I@P) as photothermal transduction agent and MRI probe. I@P-ss-FRT converted the near-infrared light (NIR) into localized heat which accelerated the release of ferrous ions from ferritin accomplished by glutathione reduction and subsequently induced ferroptosis. The drug-resistant cancer cell lines exhibited a more significant uptake of I@P-ss-FRT and sensitivity to PTT/ferroptosis compared with normal cancer cell lines. In vivo, I@P-ss-FRT plus NIR displayed the best tumor-killing potential with inhibitory rate of 83.46 %, along with a decline in GSH/GPX-4 content and an increase in lipid peroxides generation at tumor sites. Therefore, I@P-ss-FRT can be applied to combat drug-resistant breast cancer.

Polymerized Network-Based Artificial Peroxisome Reprogramming Macrophages for Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Artificial peroxisomes (AP) with enzyme-mimetic catalytic activity and recruitment ability have drawn a great deal of attention in fabricating protocell systems for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), modulating the inflammatory microenvironment, and reprogramming macrophages, which is of great potential in treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Herein, a macrophage membrane-cloaked Cu-coordinated polyphthalocyanine-based AP (CuAP) is prepared with a macrocyclic conjugated polymerized network and embedded Cu-single atomic active center, which mimics the catalytic activity and coordination environment of natural superoxide dismutase and catalase, possesses the inflammatory recruitment ability of macrophages, and performs photoacoustic imaging (PAI)-guided treatment. The results of both in vitro cellular and in vivo animal experiments demonstrated that the CuAP under ultrasound and microbubbles could efficiently scavenge excess ROS in cells and tissues, modulate microenvironmental inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and arginase-1, and reprogram macrophages by polarization of M1 (proinflammatory phenotype) to M2 (anti-inflammatory phenotype). We believe this study offers a proof of concept for engineering multifaceted AP and a promising approach for a PAI-guided treatment platform for RA.

Cisplatin-loaded mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles capped with MnO2 and coated with platelet membrane provide synergistic anti-tumor therapy

A multifunctional nanoplatform was constructed in this work, with the goal of ameliorating the challenges faced with traditional cancer chemotherapy. Cisplatin (CP) was loaded into mesoporous polydopamine (mPDA) nanoparticles (NPs) with a drug loading of 15.8 ± 0.1 %, and MnO2 used as pore sealing agent. Finally, the NPs were wrapped with platelet membrane (PLTM). P-selectin on the PLTM can bind to CD44, which is highly expressed on the tumor cell membrane, so as to improve the targeting performance of the NPs. In addition, the CD47 on the PLTM can prevent the NPs from being phagocytosed by macrophages, which is conducive to immune escape. The final PLTM-CP@mPDA/MnO2 NPs were found to have a particle size of approximately 198 nm. MnO2 is degraded into Mn2+ in the tumor microenvironment, leading to CP release from the pores in the mPDA. CP both acts as a chemotherapy agent and can also increase the concentration of H2O2 in cells. Mn2+ can catalyze the conversion of H2O2 to OH, resulting in oxidative damage and chemodynamic therapy. In addition, Mn2+ can be used as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to explore the therapeutic effect of the NPs. When the concentration of CP is 30 μg/mL, the NPs cause approximately 50 % cell death. It was found that the PLTM-CP@mPDA/MnO2 NPs are targeted to cancerous cells, and in the tumor site cause extensive apoptosis. Tumor growth is thereby repressed. No negative off-target side effects were noted. MRI could be used to confirm the presence of the NPs in the tumor site. Overall, the nano-platform developed here provides cooperative chemotherapy and chemodynamic therapy, and can potentially be used for effective cancer treatment which could be monitored by MRI.

The application of peroxidase mimetic nanozymes in cancer diagnosis and therapy

In recent decades, scholarly investigations have predominantly centered on nanomaterials possessing enzyme-like characteristics, commonly referred to as nanozymes. These nanozymes have emerged as viable substitutes for natural enzymes, offering simplicity, stability, and superior performance across various applications. Inorganic nanoparticles have been extensively employed in the emulation of enzymatic activity found in natural systems. Nanoparticles have shown a strong ability to mimic a number of enzyme-like functions. These systems have made a lot of progress thanks to the huge growth in nanotechnology research and the unique properties of nanomaterials. Our presentation will center on the kinetics, processes, and applications of peroxidase-like nanozymes. In this discourse, we will explore the various characteristics that exert an influence on the catalytic activity of nanozymes, with a particular emphasis on the prevailing problems and prospective consequences. This paper presents a thorough examination of the latest advancements achieved in the domain of peroxidase mimetic nanozymes in the context of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The primary focus is on their use in catalytic cancer therapy, alongside chemotherapy, phototherapy, sonodynamic therapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The primary objective of this work is to offer theoretical and technical assistance for the prospective advancement of anticancer medications based on nanozymes. Moreover, it is anticipated that this will foster the investigation of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at achieving efficacious tumor therapy.

Core-shell inorganic NP@MOF nanostructures for targeted drug delivery and multimodal imaging-guided combination tumor treatment

It is well known that metal-organic framework (MOF) nanostructures have unique characteristics such as high porosity, large surface areas and adjustable functionalities, so they are ideal candidates for developing drug delivery systems (DDSs) as well as theranostic platforms in cancer treatment. Despite the large number of MOF nanostructures that have been discovered, conventional MOF-derived nanosystems only have a single biofunctional MOF source with poor colloidal stability. Accordingly, developing core-shell MOF nanostructures with good colloidal stability is a useful method for generating efficient drug delivery, multimodal imaging and synergistic therapeutic systems. The preparation of core-shell MOF nanostructures has been done with a variety of materials, but inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) are highly effective for drug delivery and imaging-guided tumor treatment. Herein, we aimed to overview the synthesis of core-shell inorganic NP@MOF nanostructures followed by the application of core-shell MOFs derived from magnetic, quantum dots (QDs), gold (Au), and gadolinium (Gd) NPs in drug delivery and imaging-guided tumor treatment. Afterward, we surveyed different factors affecting prolonged drug delivery and cancer therapy, cellular uptake, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect of core-shell MOFs. Last but not least, we discussed the challenges and the prospects of the field. We envision this article may hold great promise in providing valuable insights regarding the application of hybrid nanostructures as promising and potential candidates for multimodal imaging-guided combination cancer therapy.

Application and Development Prospect of Nanoscale Iron Based Metal-Organic Frameworks in Biomedicine

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are coordination polymers that comprise metal ions/clusters and organic ligands. MOFs have been extensively employed in different fields (eg, gas adsorption, energy storage, chemical separation, catalysis, and sensing) for their versatility, high porosity, and adjustable geometry. To be specific, Fe2+/Fe3+ exhibits unique redox chemistry, photochemical and electrical properties, as well as catalytic activity. Fe-based MOFs have been widely investigated in numerous biomedical fields over the past few years. In this study, the key index requirements of Fe-MOF materials in the biomedical field are summarized, and a conclusion is drawn in terms of the latest application progress, development prospects, and future challenges of Fe-based MOFs as drug delivery systems, antibacterial therapeutics, biocatalysts, imaging agents, and biosensors in the biomedical field.

BioMOF-Based Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery Systems

A variety of nanomaterials have been developed specifically for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery in cancer treatment. These materials involve both synthetic and natural nanoparticles and nanofibers of varying dimensions. The efficacy of a drug delivery system (DDS) depends on its biocompatibility, intrinsic high surface area, high interconnected porosity, and chemical functionality. Recent advances in metal-organic framework (MOF) nanostructures have led to the achievement of these desirable features. MOFs consist of metal ions and organic linkers that are assembled in different geometries and can be produced in 0, 1, 2, or 3 dimensions. The defining features of MOFs are their outstanding surface area, interconnected porosity, and variable chemical functionality, which enable an endless range of modalities for loading drugs into their hierarchical structures. MOFs, coupled with biocompatibility requisites, are now regarded as highly successful DDSs for the treatment of diverse diseases. This review aims to present the development and applications of DDSs based on chemically-functionalized MOF nanostructures in the context of cancer treatment. A concise overview of the structure, synthesis, and mode of action of MOF-DDS is provided.

Recent advances in MOF-bio-interface: a review

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as a class of promising material with adjustable function and controllable structure, have been widely used in the food industry, chemical industry, biological medicine, and sensors. Biomacromolecules and living systems play a critical role in the world. However, the insufficiency in stability, recyclability, and efficiency, significantly impedes their further utilization in slightly harsh conditions. MOF-bio-interface engineering effectively address the above-mentioned shortages of biomacromolecules and living systems, and thereby attracting considerable attentions. Herein, we systematically review the achievements in the area of MOF-bio-interface. In particular, we summarize the interface between MOFs and proteins (enzymes and non-enzymatic proteins), polysaccharides, DNA, cells, microbes, and viruses. Meanwhile, we discuss the limitations of this approach and propose future research directions. We expect that this review could provide new insights and inspire new research efforts towards life science and material science.

Reactive oxygen species-upregulating nanomedicines towards enhanced cancer therapy

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in physiological and pathological processes, emerging as a therapeutic target in cancer. Owing to the high concentration of ROS in solid tumor tissues, ROS-based treatments, such as photodynamic therapy and chemodynamic therapy, and ROS-responsive drug delivery systems have been widely explored to powerfully and specifically suppress tumors. However, their anticancer efficacy is still hampered by the heterogeneous ROS levels, and thus comprehensively upregulating the ROS levels in tumor tissues can ensure an enhanced therapeutic effect, which can further sensitize and/or synergize with other therapies to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. Herein, we review the recently emerging drug delivery strategies and technologies for increasing the H₂O₂, ˙OH, ¹O₂, and ˙O₂^- concentrations in cancer cells, including the efficient delivery of natural enzymes, nanozymes, small molecular biological molecules, and nanoscale Fenton-reagents and semiconductors and neutralization of intracellular antioxidant substances and localized input of mechanical and electromagnetic waves (such as ultrasound, near infrared light, microwaves, and X-rays). The applications of these ROS-upregulating nanosystems in enhancing and synergizing cancer therapies including chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, phototherapy, and immunotherapy are surveyed. In addition, we discuss the challenges of ROS-upregulating systems and the prospects for future studies.

Drug-loaded microbubble delivery system to enhance PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy with remodeling immune microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Although programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/ programmed cell death-ligand protein 1 (PD-L1) checkpoint blockade immunotherapy demonstrates great promise in cancer treatment, poor infiltration of T cells resulted from tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) and insufficient accumulation of anti-PD-L1 (αPD-L1) in tumor sites diminish the immune response. Herein, we reported a drug-loaded microbubble delivery system to overcome these obstacles and enhance PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy.

METHODS

Docetaxel (DTX) and imiquimod (R837)-loaded microbubbles (RD@MBs) were synthesized via a typical rotary evaporation method combined with mechanical oscillation. The targeted release of drugs was achieved by using the directional "bursting" capability of ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) technology. The antitumor immune response by RD@MBs combining αPD-L1 were evaluated on 4T1 and CT26 tumor models.

RESULTS

The dying tumor cells induced by DTX release tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), together with R837, promoted the activation, proliferation and recruitment of T cells. Besides, UTMD technology and DTX enhanced the accumulation of αPD-L1 in tumor sites. Moreover, RD@MBs remolded TIME, including the polarization of M2-phenotype tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to M1-phenotype, and reduction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The RD@MBs + αPD-L1 synergistic therapy not only effectively inhibited the growth of primary tumors, but also significantly inhibited the mimic distant tumors as well as lung metastases.

CONCLUSION

PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy was enhanced by RD@MBs delivery system.

Recent Advances in Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) Asymmetric Membranes/Composites for Biomedical Applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of porous crystalline materials composed of metal and organic material. MOFs have fascinating properties, such as fine tunability, large specific surface area, and high porosity. MOFs are widely used for environmental protection, biosensors, regenerative medicine, medical engineering, cell therapy, catalysts, and drug delivery. Recent studies have reported various significant properties of MOFs for biomedical applications, such as drug detection and delivery. In contrast, MOFs have limitations such as low stability and low specificity in binding to the target. MOF-based membranes improve the stability and specificity of conventional MOFs by increasing the surface area and developing the possibility of MOF-ligand binding, while conjugated membranes dramatically increase the area of active functional groups. This special property makes them attractive for drug and biosensor fabrication, as both the spreading and solubility components of the porosity can be changed. Asymmetric membranes are a structure with high potential in the biomedical field, due to the different characteristics on its two surfaces, the possibility of adjusting various properties such as the size of porosity, transfer rate and selectivity, and surface properties such as hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. MOF assisted asymmetric membranes can provide a platform with different properties and characteristics in the biomedical field. The latest version of MOF materials/membranes has several potential applications, especially in medical engineering, cell therapy, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine, which will be discussed in this review, along with their advantages, disadvantages, and challenges.

Ultrasound nanotheranostics: Toward precision medicine

Ultrasound (US) is a mechanical wave that can penetrate biological tissues and trigger complex bioeffects. The mechanisms of US in different diagnosis and treatment are different, and the functional application of commercial US is also expanding. In particular, recent developments in nanotechnology have led to a wider use of US in precision medicine. In this review, we focus on US in combination with versatile micro and nanoparticles (NPs)/nanovesicles for tumor theranostics. We first introduce US-assisted drug delivery as a stimulus-responsive approach that spatiotemporally regulates the deposit of nanomedicines in target tissues. Multiple functionalized NPs and their US-regulated drug-release curves are analyzed in detail. Moreover, as a typical representative of US therapy, sonodynamic antitumor strategy is attracting researchers' attention. The collaborative efficiency and mechanisms of US and various nano-sensitizers such as nano-porphyrins and organic/inorganic nanosized sensitizers are outlined in this paper. A series of physicochemical processes during ultrasonic cavitation and NPs activation are also discussed. Finally, the new applications of US and diagnostic NPs in tumor-monitoring and image-guided combined therapy are summarized. Diagnostic NPs contain substances with imaging properties that enhance US contrast and photoacoustic imaging. The development of such high-resolution, low-background US-based imaging methods has contributed to modern precision medicine. It is expected that the integration of non-invasive US and nanotechnology will lead to significant breakthroughs in future clinical applications.

Fe/MOF based platform for NIR laser induced efficient PDT/PTT of cancer

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are widely used in the treatment of tumors. However, their application in the treatment of clinical tumors is limited by the complexity and irreversible hypoxia environment generated by tumor tissues. To overcome this limitation, a nanoparticle composed of indocyanine green (ICG) and Fe-MOF-5 was developed. Methods: We prepared F-I@FM5 and measured its morphology, particle size, and stability. Its enzyme like ability and optical effect was verified. Then we used MTT, staining and flow cytometry to evaluated the anti-tumor effect on EMT-6 cells in vitro. Finally, the anti-tumor effect in vivo has been studied on EMT-6 tumor bearing mice. Results: For the composite nanoparticle, we confirmed that Fe-MOF-5 has the best nanozyme activity. In addition, it has excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) under near-infrared light irradiation (808 nm). The composite nanoparticle showed good tumor inhibition effect in vitro and in vivo, which was superior to the free ICG or Fe-MOF-5 alone. Besides, there was no obvious cytotoxicity in major organs within the effective therapeutic concentration. Discussion: Fe-MOF-5 has the function of simulating catalase, which can promote the decomposition of excessive H₂O₂ in the tumor microenvironment and produce oxygen to improve the hypoxic environment. The improvement of tumor hypoxia can enhance the efficacy of PDT and PTT. This research not only provides an efficient and stable anti-tumor nano platform, but also has broad application prospects in the field of tumor therapy, and provides a new idea for the application of MOF as an important carrier material in the field of photodynamic therapy.

Strategies to prevent, curb and eliminate biofilm formation based on the characteristics of various periods in one biofilm life cycle

Biofilms are colonies of bacteria embedded inside a complicated self-generating intercellular. The formation and scatter of a biofilm is an extremely complex and progressive process in constant cycles. Once formed, it can protect the inside bacteria to exist and reproduce under hostile conditions by establishing tolerance and resistance to antibiotics as well as immunological responses. In this article, we reviewed a series of innovative studies focused on inhibiting the development of biofilm and summarized a range of corresponding therapeutic methods for biological evolving stages of biofilm. Traditionally, there are four stages in the biofilm formation, while we systematize the therapeutic strategies into three main periods precisely:(i) period of preventing biofilm formation: interfering the colony effect, mass transport, chemical bonds and signaling pathway of plankton in the initial adhesion stage; (ii) period of curbing biofilm formation:targeting several pivotal molecules, for instance, polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA) via polysaccharide hydrolases, proteases, and DNases respectively in the second stage before developing into irreversible biofilm; (iii) period of eliminating biofilm formation: applying novel multifunctional composite drugs or nanoparticle materials cooperated with ultrasonic (US), photodynamic, photothermal and even immune therapy, such as adaptive immune activated by stimulated dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils and even immunological memory aroused by plasmocytes. The multitargeted or combinational therapies aim to prevent it from developing to the stage of maturation and dispersion and eliminate biofilms and planktonic bacteria simultaneously.

Two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks: from synthesis to bioapplications

As a typical class of crystalline porous materials, metal-organic framework possesses unique features including versatile functionality, structural and compositional tunability. After being reduced to two-dimension, ultrathin metal-organic framework layers possess more external excellent properties favoring various technological applications. In this review article, the unique structural properties of the ultrathin metal-organic framework nanosheets benefiting from the planar topography were highlighted, involving light transmittance, and electrical conductivity. Moreover, the design strategy and versatile fabrication methodology were summarized covering discussions on their applicability and accessibility, especially for porphyritic metal-organic framework nanosheet. The current achievements in the bioapplications of two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks were presented comprising biocatalysis, biosensor, and theranostic, with an emphasis on reactive oxygen species-based nanomedicine for oncology treatment. Furthermore, current challenges confronting the utilization of two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks and future opportunities in emerging research frontiers were presented.

Explaining chemical clues of metal organic framework-nanozyme nano-/micro-motors in targeted treatment of cancers: benchmarks and challenges

Nowadays, nano-/micro-motors are considered as powerful tools in different areas ranging from cleaning all types of contaminants, to development of Targeted drug delivery systems and diagnostic activities. Therefore, the development and application of nano-/micro-motors based on metal–organic frameworks with nanozyme activity (abbreviated as: MOF-NZs) in biomedical activities have received much interest recently. Therefore, after investigating the catalytic properties and applications of MOF-NZs in the treatment of cancer, this study intends to point out their key role in the production of biocompatible nano-/micro-motors. Since reducing the toxicity of MOF-NZ nano-/micro-motors can pave the way for medical activities, this article examines the methods of making biocompatible nanomotors to address the benefits and drawbacks of the required propellants. In the following, an analysis of the amplified directional motion of MOF-NZ nano-/micro-motors under physiological conditions is presented, which can improve the motor behaviors in the propulsion function, conductivity, targeting, drug release, and possible elimination. Meanwhile, by explaining the use of MOF-NZ nano-/micro-motors in the treatment of cancer through the possible synergy of nanomotors with different therapies, it was revealed that MOF-NZ nano-/micro-motors can be effective in the treatment of cancer. Ultimately, by analyzing the potential challenges of MOF-NZ nano-/micro-motors in the treatment of cancers, we hope to encourage researchers to develop MOF-NZs-based nanomotors, in addition to opening up new ideas to address ongoing problems.

Self-electrochemiluminescence biosensor based on CRISPR/Cas12a and PdCuBP@luminol nanoemitter for highly sensitive detection of cytochrome c oxidase subunit III gene of acute kidney injury

The cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (COX III) gene is a powerful biomarker for the early diagnosis of acute kidney injury. However, current methods for COX III gene detection are usually laborious and time-consuming, with limited sensitivity. Herein, we report a novel self-electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor for highly sensitive detection of the COX III gene based on CRISPR/Cas12a and nanoemitters of luminol-loaded multicomponent metal-metalloid PdCuBP alloy mesoporous nanoclusters. The nanoemitter with excellent self-ECL in neutral media exhibited a high specific surface area for binding luminol and outstanding oxidase-like catalytic activity toward dissolved O₂. Meanwhile, the CRISPR/Cas12a system, as a target-trigger, was employed to specifically recognize the COX III gene and efficiently cleave the interfacial quencher of dopamine-labeled hairpin DNA. As a result, the ECL biosensor showed superior analytical performance for COX III gene detection without exogenous coreactant. Benefiting from the high-efficiency ECL emission of the nanoemitter and Cas12a-mediated interfacial cleavage of the quencher, the developed ECL biosensor exhibited high sensitivity to COX III with a low detection limit of 0.18 pM. The established ECL biosensing method possessed excellent practical performance in urine samples. Meaningfully, the proposed strategy presents promising prospects for nucleic acid detection in the field of clinical diagnostics.

Diselenium-bridged covalent organic framework with pH/GSH/photo-triple-responsiveness for highly controlled drug release toward joint chemo/photothermal/chemodynamic cancer therapy

Here, a novel joint chemo/photothermal/chemodynamic therapy was developed using a pH/GSH/photo triple-responsive 2D-covalent organic framework (COFs) drug carriers for passive target treatment of tumor with extraordinarily high efficiency. The well-designed...

Metal-Support Interactions of Single-Atom Catalysts for Biomedical Applications

The development of single-atom catalysts (SACs) has become a rapidly growing research field. It is a critical challenge to understand the interactions between the single-atom metal active sites and the support materials. Recently, original research reports of SACs in biomedical applications have emerged in the literature, yet this topic has seldom been reviewed. Here, this review focuses on the latest advances in single-atom catalysis for biomedical applications and highlights the keys for the design of SACs, such as understanding the interactions between metals and supports and classifying various enzyme-like activities. This review helps bridge the knowledge of multiple disciplines and provides prospects regarding the development of SACs for biomedicine.

Recent ultrasound advancements for the manipulation of nanobiomaterials and nanoformulations for drug delivery

Recent advances in ultrasound (US) have shown its great potential in biomedical applications as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The coupling of US-assisted drug delivery systems with nanobiomaterials possessing tailor-made functions has been shown to remove the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. The low-frequency US has significantly enhanced the targeted drug delivery effect and efficacy, reducing limitations posed by conventional treatments such as a limited therapeutic window. The acoustic cavitation effect induced by the US-mediated microbubbles (MBs) has been reported to replace drugs in certain acute diseases such as ischemic stroke. This review briefly discusses the US principles, with particular attention to the recent advancements in drug delivery applications. Furthermore, US-assisted drug delivery coupled with nanobiomaterials to treat different diseases (cancer, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes, thrombosis, and COVID-19) are discussed in detail. Finally, this review covers the future perspectives and challenges on the applications of US-mediated nanobiomaterials.

Peroxidase Mimetic Nanozymes in Cancer Phototherapy: Progress and Perspectives

Nanomaterial-mediated cancer therapeutics is a fast developing field and has been utilized in potential clinical applications. However, most effective therapies, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radio therapy (RT), are strongly oxygen-dependent, which hinders their practical applications. Later on, several strategies were developed to overcome tumor hypoxia, such as oxygen carrier nanomaterials and oxygen generated nanomaterials. Among these, oxygen species generation on nanozymes, especially catalase (CAT) mimetic nanozymes, convert endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to oxygen (O2) and peroxidase (POD) mimetic nanozymes converts endogenous H2O2 to water (H2O) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a hypoxic tumor microenvironment is a fascinating approach. The present review provides a detailed examination of past, present and future perspectives of POD mimetic nanozymes for effective oxygen-dependent cancer phototherapeutics.