Nanocatalytic medicine: From catalytic mechanisms to clinical translation

Nanocatalytic medicine is an emerging interdisciplinary field that integrates nanotechnology, catalysis, materials science, and biomedicine to enable therapeutic and diagnostic functions in biological systems. Nanozymes and other nanocatalytic materials can generate, scavenge, or modulate reactive species in tissues, converting controlled chemical reactions into therapeutic effects. Recent advances in single-atom catalysts, high-entropy materials, MOF- and COF-based frameworks, biomimetic catalysts, and external-field activation have substantially expanded the potential of nanocatalytic systems. Nevertheless, catalytic selectivity in complex biological environments remains difficult to control, structure–activity relationships are often empirical, and the in vivo fate, degradation, and long-term safety of these materials remain insufficiently understood. Establishing clearer links between catalytic mechanisms, material properties, biological responses, and therapeutic outcomes is essential for advancing the field toward clinical application.This Research Topic aims to present recent advances across the full research and translational chain of nanocatalytic medicine, from catalytic mechanism elucidation and data-driven material design to disease-specific applications, biosafety evaluation, and clinical translation. We particularly welcome studies that improve catalytic precision, enable intelligent responses to biological or external stimuli, clarify nano–bio interactions, and demonstrate meaningful therapeutic or diagnostic benefits. Contributions addressing the development of reproducible, scalable, and clinically relevant nanocatalytic platforms are especially encouraged.To gather further insights into the design, biological application, safety, and translation of nanocatalytic systems, we welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Perspective articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Rational design and catalytic mechanisms of nanozymes, including machine learning-assisted screening, catalytic activity descriptors, interpretable structure–function–efficacy models, active-site engineering, nanoconfinement, substrate recognition, multienzyme cascades, single-atom catalysts, high-entropy nanozymes, MOF/COF-based catalysts, and enzyme–nanomaterial hybrids.o External field-coupled catalysis and multimodal therapy, including photocatalytic nanomedicine, NIR-responsive systems, photothermal–catalytic synergy, photoactivatable prodrugs, piezoelectric and sonocatalytic therapy, magnetoelectric and radiation-responsive catalysis, thermoelectric catalysis, and multiphysics catalytic cascades.o Microenvironment-responsive catalysis and metabolic regulation, including tumour-specific catalytic therapy, ROS modulation, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, immunogenic cell death, catalytic regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress, macrophage polarisation, tissue repair, antibacterial and antibiofilm catalysis, and strategies against drug-resistant pathogens.o Degradable catalytic materials and biosafety, including stimuli-responsive degradation, the relationship between catalytic activity and degradation rate, degradation-product metabolism and toxicity, protein corona formation, immune recognition, nano–bio interfaces, long-term toxicology, and standardised safety assessment.o Theranostic integration and clinical translation, including catalysis-amplified biosensing and imaging, point-of-care diagnostics, breath biomarker detection, lesion-targeted navigation, temporally controlled prodrug activation, closed-loop sensing–therapy systems, GMP manufacturing, quality control, regulatory science, preclinical evaluation, and clinical translation. Topic editors: Binbin Jia, Jie Lin, KUN LIANG Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85222/nanocatalytic-medicine-from-catalytic-mechanisms-to-clinical-translation