Nanozymes,
which can selectively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), have
recently emerged as promising candidates for treating ischemic stroke
and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in preclinical models. ROS
overproduction during the early phase of these diseases leads to
oxidative brain damage, which has been a major cause of mortality
worldwide. However, the clinical application of ROS-scavenging enzymes
is limited by their short in vivo half-life and inability to cross the
blood-brain barrier. Nanozymes, which mimic the catalytic function of
natural enzymes, have several advantages, including cost-effectiveness,
high stability, and easy storage. These advantages render them superior
to natural enzymes for disease diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.
This review highlights recent advancements in nanozyme applications for
ischemic stroke and TBI, emphasizing their potential to mitigate the
detrimental effect of ROS overproduction, oxidative brain damage,
inflammation, and blood-brain barrier compromise. Therefore, nanozymes
represent a promising treatment modality for ROS overproduction
conditions in future medical practices.
