LAUSR

Catalytic therapy can concurrently enhance therapeutic efficacy and decrease side effects by converting less toxic or nontoxic endogenous substances into various highly toxic reactive species (e.g., toxic radicals) to induce cell apoptosis/necrosis, which has been exploited to combat different types of diseases. As material science and nanotechnology evolve for application in disease therapies, a variety of catalytic biomaterials and nanomedicines have been elaborately designed and synthesized to mediate catalytic reactions and/or enhance the corresponding catalytic treatment efficacy. In this review, we systematically summarize, outline, and discuss the state-of-the-art advances in the development and use of catalytic biomaterials and nanomedicines in diverse biomedical applications, particularly concentrating on their endogenous activators, exogenous stimuli (e.g., light, heat, ultrasound, and magnetic field), and the integration of endogenous/exogenous triggers to improve the efficacy of biomaterials/nanomedicine-enabled catalytic treatments. We also discuss the biosafety and biocompatibility of various catalytic biomaterials and nanomedicines for biomedical applications. Finally, we highlight the current challenges and future opportunities for advancement of catalytic biomaterials and nanomedicines, aiming to boost their early fulfillment of practical clinical applications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.