Nanozymes: Reshaping the landscape of age-related disease therapy through multifaceted redox regulation.

Abstract

The rapidly growing global aging population is facing a rising burden of chronic age-related diseases, largely driven by oxidative stress resulting from the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nanozymes, as superior artificial enzymes with diverse biological functions, offer substantial therapeutic potential in age-related diseases. This review integrates a 'chemical properties-biological functions-delivery strategies-therapeutic applications' paradigm, demonstrating how the intrinsic chemical properties of nanozymes underpin their diverse biological functions, which are then precisely leveraged for specific therapeutic mechanisms to combat age-related diseases. First, a brief discussion of the ROS-mediated pathologies associated with age-related diseases is introduced. Then, the chemical properties and biological functions of nanozymes are comprehensively highlighted. Further, strategies for nanozyme delivery and activation are introduced to enhance their stability, targeted accumulation, and controlled release of nanozymes at pathological sites, followed by the highlight of their applications in the therapy of various age-related issues-from neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases to diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, and pulmonary diseases. Finally, we also present our perspective on the current challenges and future directions, aiming to fully realize the therapeutic promise of nanozymes for promoting healthy aging.