Nanomaterial Constructs for Catalytic Applications in Biomedicine: Nanobiocatalysts and Nanozymes

Abstract

Nanomaterials possess superior advantages due to their special geometries, higher surface area, and unique mechanical, optical, and physicochemical properties. Their characteristics make them great contributors to the development of many technological and industrial sectors. Therefore, novel nanomaterials have an increasing interest in many research areas including biomedicine such as chronic inflammations, disease detection, drug delivery, and infections treatment. Their relevant role is, in many cases, associated with an effective catalytic application, either as a pure catalyst (acting as a nanozyme) or as a support for catalytically active materials (forming nanobiocatalysts). In this review, we analyze the construction of nanozymes and nanobiocatalyst by different existing forms of nanomaterials including carbon-based nanomaterials, metalbased nanomaterials, and polymer-based nanocomposites. Then, we examine successful examples of such nanomaterials employed in biomedical research. The role played by nanomaterials in catalytic applications is analyzed to identify possible research directions toward the development of the field and the achievement of real practicability.

Preparation of layer‐assembled W/O/W‐type microencapsulated beads and application in solid‐state fermentation

“…Immobilization of enzymes is an effective and convenient method of modifying biological enzymes by confining the free enzyme to a specific space or attaching it entirely to a solid structure without free movement (Villalba et al., 2022). Chibata and Tosa (1966) reported the first industrial application of immobilized A. oryzae aminoacylase in 1966.…”

A metal–organic cage-derived cascade antioxidant nanozyme to mitigate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

“…4 Antioxidant enzymes, such as peroxidase, SOD, and CAT, play a pivotal role in mitigating oxidative stress and safeguarding cellular integrity. [5][6][7] However, they are not sufficient to provide optimal protection at high concentrations of oxidants. 8 Natural enzymes also face some challenges such as unstable structures, susceptibility to inactivation, complex preparation, high cost, and difficulty in long-term preservation.…”

“…To solve these problems, nanozymes are promoted to replace natural enzymes. 5,6,[9][10][11][12] Nanozymes possessing distinctive physical, chemical, and biological properties inherent to nanomaterials along with enzyme-like catalytic activity are a subject of continuous exploration and research. [13][14][15][16] Compared with natural enzymes, nanozymes have the advantages of easy preparation, high stability and low cost, which makes nanozymes continue to develop rapidly, and have been widely used in biomedicine, environmental protection, energy supply and other fields.…”

“…10 However, nanozymes still encounter various limitations, including indeterminate structures, unvarying enzyme activity, and diminished biosafety. 5,6,11 Therefore, it is imperative for researchers to prioritize the development of structurally precise and low-toxic nanozymes with multiple activities, aiming to advance their clinical applications in disease treatment. 5,12,17 MOCs are innovative porous nanomaterials featuring precise and customizable nanostructures at the atomic level, and are synthesized by coordinating metal clusters or ions with organic ligands through coordination bonds.…”

“…5,6,11 Therefore, it is imperative for researchers to prioritize the development of structurally precise and low-toxic nanozymes with multiple activities, aiming to advance their clinical applications in disease treatment. 5,12,17 MOCs are innovative porous nanomaterials featuring precise and customizable nanostructures at the atomic level, and are synthesized by coordinating metal clusters or ions with organic ligands through coordination bonds. These materials exhibit exceptional properties and functionalities, making them highly versatile for a wide range of applications.…”