Chemical reactions in living cells for enhanced biological treatment

Inspired by the natural synthesis of biomolecules, the artificial production of therapeutic agents within cells has emerged as a powerful and versatile approach for disease treatment. Performing artificial chemical reactions within living cells to achieve various physiological goals remains both an intriguing and highly challenging endeavor. This review summarizes recent advancements and future trends in the field of chemical reactions inside living cells, organized by different reaction mechanisms. We also provide an in-depth discussion of their chemical designs, reaction mechanisms, and functional applications. Furthermore, we explore the underlying chemical principles of these reactions and discuss strategies for these materials to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. As researchers continue to expand the repertoire of intracellular synthesis techniques, it is anticipated that these advancements will provide valuable tools for probing biological systems and developing innovative therapeutic strategies.