Emerging Prospects of Nanozymes for Antibacterial and Anticancer Applications

Abstract

The ability of some nanoparticles to mimic the activity of certain enzymes paves the way for several attractive biomedical applications which bolster the already impressive arsenal of nanomaterials to combat deadly diseases. A key feature of such ‘nanozymes’ is the duplication of activities of enzymes or classes of enzymes, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, oxidase, and peroxidase which are known to modulate the oxidative balance of treated cells for facilitating a particular biological process such as cellular apoptosis. Several nanoparticles that include those of metals, metal oxides/sulfides, metal–organic frameworks, carbon-based materials, etc., have shown the ability to behave as one or more of such enzymes. As compared to natural enzymes, these artificial nanozymes are safer, less expensive, and more stable. Moreover, their catalytic activity can be tuned by changing their size, shape, surface properties, etc. In addition, they can also be engineered to demonstrate additional features, such as photoactivated hyperthermia, or be loaded with active agents for multimodal action. Several researchers have explored the nanozyme-mediated oxidative modulation for therapeutic purposes, often in combination with other diagnostic and/or therapeutic modalities, using a single probe. It has been observed that such synergistic action can effectively by-pass the various defense mechanisms adapted by rogue cells such as hypoxia, evasion of immuno-recognition, drug-rejection, etc. The emerging prospects of using several such nanoparticle platforms for the treatment of bacterial infections/diseases and cancer, along with various related challenges and opportunities, are discussed in this review.

Iron selenide nanorods for light-activated anticancer and catalytic applications

“…Such enzyme-mimetic activity of nanoparticles has been reported to be responsible for therapeutic and catalytic applications. 51 The cytotoxic effect of FeSe NRs on a pancreatic cancer (Panc I) cell line, without and with light activation, was analysed using an in vitro cell viability (MTT) assay. First the cells were treated with five different concentrations of NRs (20, 50, 100, 120 and 150 mg mL À1 ), without light irradiation, followed by analysing their viability.…”

“…Such enzyme-mimetic activity of nanoparticles has been reported to be responsible for therapeutic and catalytic applications. 51…”

Application of Plant-Derived Nanoparticles (PDNP) in Food-Producing Animals as a Bio-Control Agent against Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens

“…According to Chakraborty et al [ 157 ], biofilms are compounded networks of bacterial populations which form an attached, localized microenvironment that is protected by an exopolysaccharide extracellular matrix. The ability of PDNPs to infiltrate biofilms suggests a feasible method for preventing biofilm development [ 158 ].…”

Recent Advancements in Plant- and Microbe-Mediated Synthesis of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanomaterials and Their Emerging Antimicrobial Applications

“…Antimicrobial applications of NPs have been in the forefront of research to treat various types of infections caused by different bacteria and viruses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), norovirus, influenza virus, respiratory viruses, coronavirus, tuberculosis, pneumonia, UTI (urinary tract infection), and cholera due to increasing resistance to antibiotics which are considered the primary treatment method. − The increase in microorganisms in water, homes, hospitals, and farms due to inadequate sanitation poses a grave threat to people with weak immune systems. − When illnesses caused by viruses and bacteria are not appropriately treated, they may spread and cause a global catastrophe, losing the ability to ensure a stable climate. , The coronavirus is the most recent example of people dying due to respiratory problems and a lack of resources as a result of large scale spread of infection . Metal and metal oxide (M/MO) NPs, such as Cu, Pt, Pd, Ni, CeO 2 , MgO, CuO, Fe 2 O 3 , FeO, and TiO 2 NPs, ,− have been widely employed for different biomedical applications. − These NPs have several advantages such as surface functionality, band gap amplification, intrinsic fluorescence, structural alterations that modify cell parameters, and lattice symmetry. − …”