Chapter 9 - Recent developments of iron-based nanosystems as enzyme-mimicking surrogates of interest in tumor microenvironment treatment

Abstract

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.This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the development of iron-based nanomaterials, particularly Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, as enzyme-mimicking agents—commonly referred to as nanozymes—for biomedical applications, with a focus on cancer treatment. These nanosystems are engineered to replicate the catalytic behavior of natural enzymes such as catalase and peroxidase, which play a crucial role in regulating oxidative stress within the tumor microenvironment (TME). By interacting with key molecules like hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and glutathione (GSH), iron-based nanozymes can modulate redox conditions, alleviate tumor hypoxia, and enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby promoting selective cancer cell damage. The chapter also explores the emerging field of single atom catalysts (SACs), which offer superior catalytic efficiency and precision due to their atomically dispersed active sites. These materials represent a promising frontier in nanozyme design, combining high activity with structural tunability. Overall, the chapter underscores the potential of iron-based nanozymes as stable, cost-effective, and highly adaptable alternatives to natural enzymes, with significant implications for the future of targeted cancer therapies.