Photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) are promising therapeutic modalities with high specificity, however, a single therapeutic modality cannot maximize therapeutic efficacy. In the present study, glucose oxidase (GOx) was decorated on N-doped carbon (NC) nanoparticles (NPs) as a biomimetic nanoenzyme (NC@GOx NPs), which could promote starvation therapy enhanced PTT and CDT against tumors. GOx could decompose to cut off the supply of energy and nutrients, inducing starvation therapy, which further lowered adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, inducing downregulated heat shock proteins and creating a more suitable microenvironment for improving PTT efficacy. Meanwhile, the generated endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) could be converted into hydroxyl radicals to attack cancer cells. In fact, in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that NC@GOx NPs could effectively kill cancer cells and eliminate tumors. This design provides a strategy for synergistic cancer therapy by using biomimetic nanoenzymes.

Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) are indispensable and versatile metal ions that play a pivotal role in regulating cell metabolism, encompassing cell survival, proliferation, migration, and gene expression. Aberrant Ca²⁺ levels are frequently linked to cell dysfunction and a variety of pathological conditions. Therefore, it is essential to maintain Ca²⁺ homeostasis to coordinate body function. Disrupting the balance of Ca²⁺ levels has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for various diseases, and there has been extensive research on integrating this approach into nanoplatforms. In this review, the current nanoplatforms that regulate Ca²⁺ homeostasis for cancer therapy are first discussed, including both direct and indirect approaches to manage Ca²⁺ overload or inhibit Ca²⁺ signalling. Then, the applications of these nanoplatforms in targeting different cells to regulate their Ca²⁺ homeostasis for achieving therapeutic effects in cancer treatment are systematically introduced, including tumour cells and immune cells. Finally, perspectives on the further development of nanoplatforms for regulating Ca²⁺ homeostasis, identifying scientific limitations and future directions for exploitation are offered.