Single-Atom Catalysts for Biotherapy Applications: A Systematic Review

Single-atom catalysts (SACs), as atomically dispersed metal active sites anchored or coordinated on suitable supports, demonstrate large potential for use in therapeutic applications. SACs have structural features similar to those of natural enzyme, while exhibiting remarkable catalytic activity, desirable stability, and excellent selectivity. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on SACs' biotherapy applications. Three databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) were searched to identify the studies that investigated the therapeutic efficacy of SACs. A total of 12 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included and reviewed, and the key findings were qualitatively synthesized. Overall, various SACs were investigated for biotherapy applications, including anticancer, anti-infection (antibacterial), and anti-inflammatory applications; brain trauma therapies, and oxidative-stress cytoprotection applications. All of the included studies showed that the synthesized SACs demonstrated superior therapeutic effects compared with their respective controls. Among the 12 studies reviewed, 11 studies showed satisfied biocompatibility of the applied SACs, whereas minimal cytotoxicity was reported in 1 study. Collectively, the reviewed studies indicated that SACs exhibited considerable promise in the field of biotherapy. Additional studies are needed for a better understanding of the effect of SACs in the treatment of various diseases.