Electron transfer-based antioxidant nanozymes: Emerging therapeutics for inflammatory diseases

Inflammatory diseases are usually featured with relatively high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The excess ROS facilitate the polarization of microphages into proinflammatory M1 phenotype, and cause DNA damage, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation, resulting in further deterioration of inflammatory dis-eases. Therefore, alleviating oxidative stress by ROS scavenging has been an effective strategy for reversing inflammation. Inspired by the natural antioxidant enzymes, electron transfer-based artificial antioxidant nano-zymes have been emerging therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The present review starts with the basic knowledge of ROS and diseases, followed by summarizing the possible active centers for the preparation of antioxidant nanozymes. The strategies for the design of antioxidant nanozymes on the purpose of higher catalytic activity are provided, and the applications of the developed antioxidant nanozymes on the therapy of inflammatory diseases are discussed. A perspective is included for the design and applications of artificial antioxidant nanozymes in biomedicine as well.

Automated summary

Inflammatory diseases are associated with high levels of ROS. Excess ROS leads to the polarization of microphages into the proinflammatory M1 phenotype and causes damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, worsening the inflammatory response. Scavenging ROS to alleviate oxidative stress has proven to be an effective strategy for reversing inflammation. Inspired by natural antioxidant enzymes, electron transfer-based artificial antioxidant nanozymes have emerged as therapeutic agents for treating inflammatory diseases.