Progress in enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors in diagnostics and therapeutics

Enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors (EMNMs) represent cutting-edge research taking advantage of enzymes as biocatalysts to provide a driving force for micro/nanomotors. Up to now, EMNMs have been designed to be powered by catalase, urease, lipase, collagenase, compound enzymes, etc. They not only have good biocompatibility and biosafety but also possess the unique ability to utilize physiologically relevant fuel to achieve autonomous propulsion through in vivo catalytic reactions. This innovation has opened exciting possibilities for medical applications of EMNMs. Given the fact that the human body is naturally abundant with substrates available for enzymatic reactions, EMNMs can effectively exploit the complex microenvironment associated with diseases, enabling the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. In this review, we first introduce different kinds of EMNMs applied in specific environments for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, while highlighting their advancements for revolutionizing healthcare practices. Then, we address the challenges faced in this rapidly evolving field, and at last, the potential future development directions are discussed. As the potential of EMNMs becomes increasingly evident, continued research and exploration are essential to unlock their full capabilities and to ensure their successful integration into clinical applications.