Navigating nMOF-mediated enzymatic reactions for catalytic tumor-specific therapy

Abstract

Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (nMOFs), exhibiting highly designable structures, multiple surface functionalities, and well-defined porous apertures, have spurred intensive research as superior anti-tumor candidates with great promise. Tailored to the specific tumor microenvironment (TME), emerging nMOF-based enzymatic nanocatalysts, (i) nMOFs with intrinsic enzyme-mimicking performance, and (ii) enzyme- and (iii) nanozyme-engineered nMOFs, have secured their place as “magic bullets”, producing dramatic and tumor-specific therapeutic outcomes. Here, this review concentrates on the advances and recent developments in various nMOF-mediated enzymatic reactions toward the internal stimuli of the TME (acidosis, high-glucose conditions, and the overproduction of glutathione, hydrogen peroxide, and lactate). We also set forth challenges and offer insights relating to accelerating the exploration of nMOFs as catalytic tumor-specific therapeutic agents.