Smart Hydrogen-Producing Nanoparticles with the Potential for Arthritic Microenvironment Regulation

The joint microenvironment contributes significantly to arthritis by shaping the synovial sheath and inducing cartilage damage. Hydrogen has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and shows promise in the treatment of arthritis, particularly in selectively reducing free radical levels while preserving normal cell redox reactions. However, the short retention time of hydrogen and its low solubility in body fluids pose challenges for its use to achieve an optimal therapeutic effect. Smart biomaterials respond to alterations in physiological parameters and external stimuli, enabling precise targeting and continuous local treatment, thus maintaining local H₂ concentration at the treatment site. In this review, the recent advances in hydrogen-producing nanomaterials for the treatment of arthritis are presented and the challenges and prospects for their clinical application are evaluated.