A DNA‐Gated and Self‐Protected Bioorthogonal Catalyst for Nanozyme‐Assisted Safe Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Transition metal catalysts (TMCs) mediated bioorthogonal uncaging catalysis has sparked increasing interest in prodrug activation. However, due to their “always‐on” catalytic activity as well as the complex and catalytic‐detrimental intracellular environment, the biosafety and therapeutic efficiency of TMCs are unsatisfactory. Herein, a DNA‐gated and self‐protected bioorthogonal catalyst has been designed by modifying nanozyme‐Pd0 with highly programmable nucleic acid (DNA) molecules to achieve efficient intracellular drug synthesis for cancer therapy. Monolayer DNA molecules could endow the catalyst with targeting and perform as a gatekeeper to achieve selective prodrug activation within cancer cells. Meanwhile, the prepared graphitic nitrogen‐doped carbon nanozyme with glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT)‐like activities could improve the catalytic‐detrimental intracellular environment to prevent the catalyst from being inactivated and sensitize the subsequent chemotherapy. Overall, we believe that our work will promote the development of secure and efficient bioorthogonal catalytic systems and provide new insights into novel antineoplastic platforms.

Progress in controllable bioorthogonal catalysis for prodrug activation

“…Zhang et al utilized C-rich single-strand DNA (cDNA) as a gatekeeper to shield the catalytic ability of Pd MOF catalysts. 72 Once delivered to the endosomes of MCF-7 cells, the cDNA could detach from the catalyst upon changing conformations and expose the active sites to uncage the pro-5FU. The above engineering bioorthogonal catalysts with acid-responsive materials open avenues for targeted prodrug activation.…”

Artificial enzyme innovations in electrochemical devices: advancing wearable and portable sensing technologies

“…These meticulously designed synthetic catalysts, which emulate the catalytic functions of their natural counterparts, offer a slew of advantages. 6–11 Engineered for enhanced stability, artificial enzymes can operate efficiently across a broader spectrum of conditions. Their production, scalable and economically viable, is devoid of the complexities tethered to the extraction from natural sources.…”

Sustainable Phthalocyanine-Modified TiO2 Nanofilm as a Light-Operated Nanozyme for Colorimetric Determination of L-Penicillamine

“…Since the first nanozyme, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, was found, lots of nanozymes such as noble metal, , transition metal, carbon materials, and organic framework materials , have been synthesized and used in antibiosis, antineoplastic drugs, and sensors , . Among nanozymes used in the construction of fast colorimetric sensing platforms, how to improve the catalytic activity of nanozymes is an important task.…”