Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are essential for normal physiological processes and play important roles in cell signaling, immunity, and tissue homeostasis. However, excess radical species are implicated in the development and augmented pathogenesis of various diseases. Several antioxidants may restore the chemical balance, but their use is limited by disappointing results of clinical trials. Nanoparticles are an attractive therapeutic alternative because they can change the biodistribution profile of antioxidants, and possess intrinsic ability to scavenge RONS. Herein, we review the types of RONS, how they are implicated in several diseases, and the types of nanoparticles with inherent antioxidant capability, their mechanisms of action, and their biological applications.

活性氧和氮物种 (RONS) 对正常生理过程至关重要，并在细胞信号、免疫和组织稳态中发挥重要作用。然而，过量的自由基物种与各种疾病的发展和增强的发病机制有关。几种抗氧化剂可以恢复化学平衡，但它们的使用受到临床试验令人失望的结果的限制。纳米颗粒是一种有吸引力的治疗替代品，因为它们可以改变抗氧化剂的生物分布曲线，并具有清除 RONS 的内在能力。在此，我们回顾了 RONS 的类型、它们与多种疾病的关系，以及具有固有抗氧化能力的纳米粒子的类型、它们的作用机制及其生物学应用。