Nanozymes with Osteochondral Regenerative Effects: an Overview of Mechanisms and Recent Applications.

With the discovery of the intrinsic enzyme-like activity of metal oxides, nanozymes have garnered significant attention due to their superior characteristics, such as low cost, high stability, multi-enzyme activity, and facile preparation. Notably, in the field of biomedicine, nanozymes primarily focus on disease detection, antibacterial properties, antitumor effects, and treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, the potential for application in regenerative medicine, which primarily addresses wound healing, nerve defect repair, bone regeneration, and cardiovascular disease treatment, is garnering interest as well. This review introduces nanozymes as an innovative strategy within the realm of bone regenerative medicine. The primary focus of this approach lies in the facilitation of osteochondral regeneration through the modulation of the pathological microenvironment. The catalytic mechanisms of four types of representative nanozymes are first discussed. The pathological microenvironment inhibiting osteochondral regeneration, followed by summarizing the therapy mechanism of nanozymes to osteochondral regeneration barriers are introduced. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of nanozymes for bone diseases are included. To improve the therapeutic efficiency of nanozymes and facilitate their clinical translation, we also discuss future potential applications in osteochondral diseases and address some significant challenges. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.