Can Nanozymes Make the Leap to the Clinic? Advances, Hurdles, and Prospects

April 2026 in “ Trends in biotechnology ”

Nil Kanatha Pandey, Hong Huy Tran, Edward B. Steager, David P. Cormode, Hyun Koo

Studysummary This review explores the potential of nanozymes as artificial enzymes with diverse applications but highlights the need for more research into their mechanisms, safety, and scalability before they can be effectively translated into clinical use.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Nanozymes, which are versatile artificial enzymes, hold promise for biomedical applications due to their customizable catalytic, diagnostic, and therapeutic functions. However, their clinical translation is hindered by challenges such as limited mechanistic understanding, safety and biodegradability concerns, and regulatory hurdles. The review suggests that single-material nanozyme platforms could serve as practical foundations for clinical use, and their integration into advanced microrobotic systems could enhance precision theranostics. It emphasizes the importance of future studies on human efficacy and safety to expedite clinical translation and commercialization.

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

5 / 5 results

research Nanozymes Expanding the Boundaries of Biocatalysis

85 citations , July 2025 in “Nature Communications”

This review examines the evolving field of nanozymes, highlighting their unique properties and biocatalytic capabilities that challenge traditional concepts of biocatalysis, with implications for sustainable applications and potential roles in physiological processes and disease pathogenesis.

Microneedle-Mediated Hypoxic Extracellular Vesicle-Encapsulated Selenium Nanoparticles Delivery to Treat Androgenetic Alopecia

research Microneedle-Mediated Hypoxic Extracellular Vesicle-Encapsulated Selenium Nanoparticles Delivery to Treat Androgenetic Alopecia

March 2025 in “Journal of Controlled Release”

This study found that a biocomposite microneedle system, which includes selenium nanozyme and hypoxic extracellular vesicles, enhanced hair density and follicle diameter in androgenetic alopecia mice by fighting inflammation, promoting blood vessel growth, reducing reactive oxygen species, and counteracting androgen effects.

Platinum Nanozyme-Loaded Dissolving Microneedles Scavenge ROS and Promote Lineage Progression for Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

research Platinum Nanozyme-Loaded Dissolving Microneedles Scavenge ROS and Promote Lineage Progression for Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

October 2024 in “Small Methods”

This study found that dissolving microneedles loaded with platinum nanozymes induced faster hair growth in an androgenetic alopecia model than daily minoxidil applications, with no significant safety concerns.

research Deep Insight of Design, Mechanism, and Cancer Theranostic Strategy of Nanozymes

112 citations , November 2023 in “Nano-Micro Letters”

This review discusses the developments over the past five years in nanozyme-based theranostics for tumor therapy, including their classification, design, and synergistic strategies. It also outlines the challenges and prospects of using nanozymes to enhance selectivity, biosafety, repeatability, and stability in therapeutic applications.

research Machine Learning Guided Discovery of Superoxide Dismutase Nanozymes for Androgenetic Alopecia

3 citations , October 2022 in “Nano Letters”

This study found that a microneedle patch using manganese thiophosphite showed greater hair regrowth potential compared to minoxidil, even with less frequent application, for treating androgenetic alopecia.