Biogenic platinum nanozymes: a core-corona structure-activity framework for cancer theranostics, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant applications

Abstract

Abstract Background Biogenic platinum nanozymes (PtNZs) represent a distinct class of catalytic nanomaterials in which nanoparticle formation and biological functionalization occur concurrently, yielding hybrid systems governed by inseparable core-corona interactions. Despite rapid growth in this field, the absence of a unifying design framework has limited mechanistic understanding, cross-study comparability, and rational optimization for cancer theranostic applications. Main body of the abstract This review introduces the concept of core-corona catalytic coupling as a governing principle that defines nanozyme behavior across biological contexts, with particular emphasis on the tumor microenvironment. Moving beyond descriptive synthesis-focused reviews, we establish a structure-activity framework that links physicochemical parameters of the platinum core (size, morphology, electronic structure) with biomolecular corona composition and dynamic microenvironmental conditions. From this analysis, we derive seven principles that collectively determine catalytic performance, enzyme-mimetic activity profiles, and therapeutic function. We demonstrate that high-performing PtNZ systems consistently converge on three coupled parameters: ultrasmall particle dimensions (< 10 nm), biomolecule-rich corona, and catalytic activity matched to tumor biochemical environments. We elucidate how catalytic switching between pro-oxidant and antioxidant modes emerges from microenvironment-dependent modulation of core-corona interactions. By integrating evidence across synthesis strategies, catalytic mechanisms, and biomedical applications, we reframe biogenic PtNZ as designable catalytic systems rather than empirically optimized materials. We identify key translational bottlenecks, including batch variability, incomplete corona characterization, and regulatory uncertainty, and propose solutions leveraging synthetic biology and machine learning. We also highlight emerging anticoagulant activity in biogenic PtNZ as an underexplored therapeutic niche with wound healing relevance. Short conclusion This core-corona structure-activity framework establishes a foundation for rational design, standardized evaluations, and accelerated clinical translation of biogenic platinum nanozymes in cancer nanomedicine.