Redox enzyme-mimicking nanomaterials: classification, activity regulation strategy and biological applications

Owing to the high catalytic activities for specific substrates, natural enzymes have been widely used in various fields including bio-sensing, food processing, disease diagnosis and treatment. However, most natural enzymes suffer from intrinsic shortcomings, such as easily inactivated under extreme environments, high cost for preparation, and difficulties in recycling. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop alternative artificial enzyme mimics with high stability, easy preparation and low cost. Varieties of engineered nanostructures have been demonstrated to display multiple natural enzyme-mimetic activities. With the exploration of new types of nanozymes and understanding of potential catalytic mechanisms, the activity of nanozymes have been greatly improved through tuning the key physic-chemical properties of nanomaterials. This chapter introduces the types of nanozymes, activity regulation and biological applications of nanozymes. Moreover, current challenges and future perspectives of nanozymes are discussed for future investigation.