An overview on the multifunctional nanozyme activities of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles for nanomedicine

Abstract

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have emerged as a cornerstone in nanomedicine due to their inherent physicochemical properties and multivariant nanozyme activity. IONPs possess enzyme-like inherent activity, i.e., peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase mimicry, and thus can control reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in biological organisms. This mini-review comprehensively addresses the dual functionality of IONPs as therapeutic and diagnostic agents, their potential in targeted drug delivery, cancer therapy, and biomedical imaging. The tunable magnetic properties, biocompatibility, and surface chemistry of IONPs further attest to their utility in precision medicine. We further discuss recent advances in the functionalization and design of IONPs for enhanced nanozyme activity and therapeutic value. Challenges such as long-term biocompatibility, toxicity issues, and scalability are also addressed, providing hints for the future development of IONP-based nanomedicine. The review identifies the disruptive potential of IONPs as multi-functional nanozymes to propel next-generation therapeutic and diagnostic platforms.