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Researchers are expanding the horizons of artificial enzymes known as “nanozymes” to use them as catalysts for transforming biomaterials for their futuristic use in medicinal and biomedical applications.

Several complex natural enzymes can act on proteins to generate functional proteins. However, the interplay of nanozymes with proteins has rarely been explored. 

 

Scientists are now probing the unexplored roles of nanozymes in biological environments and their interplay beyond small molecule substrates due to their potential prospects in biotechnological and therapeutic interventions.

About:

Nanozyme is a series of nanomaterials with enzyme-mimetic activities (ability of certain synthetic or non-biological substances to replicate or imitate the catalytic functions of natural enzymes) that can proceed with the catalytic reactions of natural enzymes.

In the field of biomedicine, nanozymes are capturing tremendous attention due to their high stability and low cost.

Enzyme-mimetic activities of nanozymes can be regulated by multiple factors, such as the chemical state of metal ion, pH, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and glutathione (GSH) level, presenting great promise for biomedical applications.

Unlike biological enzymes, which are proteins or ribozymes, nanozymes are often composed of nanomaterials like metal oxides, carbon-based structures, or nanoparticles.

Key Features of Nanozymes:

Enzyme-like Activity: Nanozymes can catalyze biochemical reactions, similar to natural enzymes. For example, they can break down harmful molecules, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are linked to inflammation and tissue damage.

Stability: Nanozymes are more stable than natural enzymes, which are sensitive to temperature, pH, and other environmental factors.

Cost-Effective Production: Unlike natural enzymes that require complex biotechnological processes for synthesis, nanozymes can be fabricated using simpler chemical or physical methods.

Tunable Properties: By modifying their composition, size, or surface characteristics, nanozymes' catalytic activity can be customized for specific applications.

Applications:

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