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In this work, a tumor growth intervention by localized drug synthesis within the tumor volume, using the enzymatic repertoire of the tumor itself, is presented. Towards the overall success, molecular, macromolecular, and supramolecular glucuronide prodrugs were designed for a highly potent toxin, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). The lead candidate exhibited a fold difference in toxicity between the prodrug and the drug of 175, had an engineered mechanism to enhance the deliverable payload to tumours, and contained a highly potent toxin such that bioconversion of only a few prodrug molecules created a concentration of MMAE sufficient enough for efficient suppression of tumor growth. Each of these points is highly significant and together afford a safe, selective anticancer measure, making tumor-targeted glucuronides attractive for translational medicine., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Nanozymes, nanoparticles that mimic the natural activity of enzymes, are intriguing academically and are important in the context of the Origin of Life. However, current nanozymes offer mimicry of a narrow range of mammalian enzymes, near-exclusively performing redox reactions. We present an unexpected discovery of non-proteinaceous enzymes based on metals, metal oxides, 1D/2D-materials, and non-metallic nanomaterials. The specific novelty of these findings lies in the identification of nanozymes with apparent mimicry of diverse mammalian enzymes, including unique pan-glycosidases. Further novelty lies in the identification of the substrate scope for the lead candidates, specifically in the context of bioconversion of glucuronides, that is, human metabolites and privileged prodrugs in the field of enzyme-prodrug therapies. Lastly, nanozymes are employed for conversion of glucuronide prodrugs into marketed anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents, as well as "nanozyme prodrug therapy" to mediate antibacterial measures., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)