Fabrication of a Tubular CuO/NiO Biomimetic Nanozyme with Synergistically Promoted Peroxidase-like Performance for Isoniazid Sensing

Electronic structure modulation of ultrathin PtRuMoCoNi high-entropy alloy nanowires for boosting peroxidase-like activity and sensitive colorimetric determination of isoniazid and hydrazine

Self-supported ultrathin PtRuMoCoNi high-entropy alloy nanowires (HEANWs) were synthesized by a one-pot co-reduction method, whose peroxidase (POD)-like activity and catalytic mechanism were elaborated in detail. As expected, the PtRuMoCoNi HEANWs showed excellent POD-like activity. It can quickly catalyze the oxidization of colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue OXTMB through decomposition of H2O2 to superoxide radicals. Notably, isoniazid and hydrazine effectively scavenge the as-produced superoxide radicals and reduce the blue OXTMB, showing high reduction ability and antioxidant property. Thus, the PtRuMoCoNi HEANW-derived colorimetric method was developed for determination of isoniazid and hydrazine, which exhibited the linear ranges of 1.5 to 50 μM and 25 to 200 μM coupled with the lower detection limits of 2.3 and 12.6 μM for isoniazid and hydrazine, respectively. The excellent analytical performance mainly results from the synergistic catalytic effect of the multiple metals and distinctive ultra-thin nanowires. This work provides a simple and rapid colorimetric method for the determination of isoniazid and hydrazine in actual samples.

Copper(II) Oxide Spindle-like Nanomotors Decorated with Calcium Peroxide Nanoshell as a New Nanozyme with Photothermal and Chemodynamic Functions Providing ROS Self-Amplification, Glutathione Depletion, and Cu(I)/Cu(II) Recycling

Uniform, mesoporous copper(II) oxide nanospindles (CuO NSs) were synthesized via a method based on templated hydrothermal oxidation of copper in the presence of monodisperse poly(glycerol dimethacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) nanoparticles (poly(GDMA-co-MAA) NPs). Subsequent decoration of CuO NSs with a CaO2 nanoshell (CuO@CaO2 NSs) yielded a nanozyme capable of Cu(I)/Cu(II) redox cycling. Activation of the Cu(I)/Cu(II) cycle by exogenously generated H2O2 from the CaO2 nanoshell significantly enhanced glutathione (GSH) depletion. CuO@CaO2 NSs exhibited a 2-fold higher GSH depletion rate compared to pristine CuO NSs. The generation of oxygen due to the catalase (CAT)-like decomposition of H2O2 by CuO@CaO2 NSs resulted in a self-propelled diffusion behavior, characteristic of a H2O2 fueled nanomotor. These nanostructures exhibited both peroxidase (POD)-like and CAT-like activities and were capable of self-production of H2O2 in aqueous media via a chemical reaction between the CaO2 nanoshell and water. Usage of the self-supplied H2O2 by the POD-like activity of CuO@CaO2 NSs amplified the generation of toxic hydroxyl (•OH) radicals, enhancing the chemodynamic effect within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The CAT-like activity provided a source of self-supplied O2 via decomposition of H2O2 to alleviate hypoxic conditions in the TME. Under near-infrared laser irradiation, CuO@CaO2 NSs exhibited photothermal conversion properties, with a temperature elevation of 25 °C. The combined GSH depletion and H2O2 generation led to a more effective production of •OH radicals in the cell culture medium. The chemodynamic function was further enhanced by an elevated temperature. To assess the therapeutic potential, CuO@CaO2 NSs loaded with the photosensitizer, chlorine e6 (Ce6), were evaluated against T98G glioblastoma cells. The synergistic combination of photodynamic, photohermal, and chemodynamic modalities using CuO@CaO2@Ce6 NSs resulted in cell death higher than 90% under in vitro conditions.

Development of Nanozymatic Characteristics in Metal-Doped Oxide Nanomaterials

Nanozymes are nanoscale materials that exhibit enzymatic-like activity, combining the benefits of nanomaterials with biocatalytic effects. The addition of metals to nanomaterials can enhance their nanozyme activity by mimicking the active sites of enzymes, providing structural support and promoting redox activity. In this study, nanostructured oxide and silicate-phosphate nanomaterials with varying manganese and copper additions were characterized. The objective was to assess the influence of metal modifications (Mn and Cu) on the acquisition of the nanozymatic activity by selected nanomaterials. An increase in manganese content in each material enhanced proteolytic activity (from 20 to 40 mUnit/mg for BG-Mn), while higher copper addition in glassy materials increased activity by 40%. Glassy materials exhibited approximately twice the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical activity (around 40 μmol/mL) compared to that of oxide materials. The proteolytic and antioxidant activities discussed in the study can be considered indicators for evaluating the enzymatic properties of the nanomaterials. Observations conducted on nanomaterials may aid in the development of materials with enhanced catalytic efficiency and a wide range of applications.

Facile synthesis of copper carbonate analog with peroxidase-like activity for colorimetric detection of isoniazid

In this article, copper carbonate analog with good peroxidase-like activity was successfully synthesized for the first time via a simple co-precipitation of CuSO4▪5H2O and Na2CO3. The obtained copper carbonate analog exhibited excellent intrinsic peroxidase-like activity towards a classical peroxidase substrate of 3, 3', 5, 5' -tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under an acidic environment. The study of the catalytic mechanism confirmed that the hydroxyl radical produced from the decomposition of H2O2 is the main reactive oxygen species responsible for the catalytic oxidation of TMB to oxTMB. Moreover, results from kinetic parameter analysis indicated that H2O2 was more easily and/or likely to attach to the copper carbonate analog than TMB. Subsequently, the effects of experimental conditions (buffer pH, temperature, and incubation time) on the catalytic activity of the copper carbonate analog were also optimized. Finally, a copper carbonate analog-based colorimetric sensor was developed to determine isoniazid. Under the optimal conditions, the linear range for isoniazid was as broad as 0-178.6 μM, and the detection limit was as low as 8.47 μM. The spiked recoveries of isoniazid in normal human serum has been observed in the range of 94.8%-105.5 %. This strategy focuses on the development of a green, cost-efficient peroxidase mimic with high activity, good biocompatibility, and a simple synthesis process.

Nanozyme-Enabled Biomedical Diagnosis: Advances, Trends, and Challenges

As nanoscale materials with the function of catalyzing substrates through enzymatic kinetics, nanozymes are regarded as potential alternatives to natural enzymes. Compared to protein-based enzymes, nanozymes exhibit attractive characteristics of low preparation cost, robust activity, flexible performance adjustment, and versatile functionalization. These advantages endow them with wide use from biochemical sensing and environmental remediation to medical theranostics. Especially in biomedical diagnosis, the feature of catalytic signal amplification provided by nanozymes makes them function as emerging labels for the detection of biomarkers and diseases, with rapid developments observed in recent years. To provide a comprehensive overview of recent progress made in this dynamic field, here an overview of biomedical diagnosis enabled by nanozymes is provided. This review first summarizes the synthesis of nanozyme materials and then discusses the main strategies applied to enhance their catalytic activity and specificity. Subsequently, representative utilization of nanozymes combined with biological elements in disease diagnosis is reviewed, including the detection of biomarkers related to metabolic, cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive diseases as well as cancers. Finally, some development trends in nanozyme-enabled biomedical diagnosis are highlighted, and corresponding challenges are also pointed out, aiming to inspire future efforts to further advance this promising field.

Iridium nanoparticles supported on polyaniline nanotubes for peroxidase mimicking towards total antioxidant capacity assay of fruits and vegetables

In this study, a straightforward approach is presented for the first time to anchor Ir nanoparticles on the surface of uniform polyaniline (PANi) nanotubes (NTs), which can be used as an efficient peroxidase (POD)-like catalyst. The morphology and chemical structure of the PANi-Ir nanocomposite are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Owing to the strong interaction between Ir nanoparticles and PANi, a remarkable catalytic enhancement is achieved compared to the bare Ir black catalyst and individual PANi NTs, dominating withan electron transfer mechanism. Furthermore, an efficient colorimetric sensor for ascorbic acid (AA) is developed with a low detection limit of 1.0 μM (S/N = 3), and a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) sensing platform is also constructed for the rigorous detection and analysis of fruits and vegetables.

Multifunctional Fe/Cu Dual-Single Atom Nanozymes with Enhanced Peroxidase Activity for Isoniazid Detection and Levofloxacin Degradation

The design of single-atom nanozymes with dual active sites to increase their activity and for the detection and degradation of contaminants is rare and challenging. In this work, a single-atom nanozyme (FeCu-NC) based on a three-dimensional porous Fe/Cu dual active site was developed as a colorimetric sensor for both the quantitative analysis of isoniazid (INH) and the efficient degradation of levofloxacin (LEV). FeCu-NC was synthesized using a salt template and freeze-drying method with a three-dimensional hollow porous structure and dual active sites (Fe-Nx and Cu-Nx). In terms of morphology and structure, FeCu-NC exhibits excellent peroxidase-like activity and catalytic properties. Therefore, a colorimetric sensor was constructed around FeCu-NC for sensitive and rapid quantitative analysis of INH with a linear range of 0.9-10 μM and a detection limit as low as 0.3 μM, and the sensor was successfully applied to the analysis of INH in human urine. In addition, FeCu-NC promoted the efficient degradation of LEV by peroxymonosulfate activation, with a degradation rate of 90.4% for LEV at 30 min. This work sheds new light on the application of single-atom nanozymes to antibiotics for colorimetric sensing and degradation.

Synergistic action of cavity and catalytic sites in etched Pd-Cu2O octahedra to augment the peroxidase-like activity of Cu2O nanoparticles for the colorimetric detection of isoniazid and ascorbic acid

Despite the widespread use of nanozyme-based colorimetric assays in biosensing, challenges such as limited catalytic efficiency, inadequate sensitivity to analytes, and insufficient understanding of the structure-activity relationship still persist. Overcoming these hurdles by enhancing the inherent enzyme-like performance of nanozymes using the unique attributes of nanomaterials is still a significant obstacle. Here, we designed and constructed Pd-Cu2O nanocages (Pd-Cu2O NCs) by selectively etching the vertices of the copper octahedra to enhance the peroxidase-like (POD-like) activity of Cu2O nanoparticles. The improved catalytic activity of Pd-Cu2O NCs was attributed to their high specific surface area and abundant catalytic sites. Mechanistic studies revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) intermediates (•OH) were generated through the decomposition of H2O2, resulting in POD-like activity of the Pd-Cu2O NCs. The designed Pd-Cu2O NCs can oxidize 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2, producing a blue oxidation product (oxTMB). The oxidation reaction was inhibited and led to a significant bleaching of the blue color in the presence of reducing substances isoniazid (INH) and ascorbic acid (AA). Based on these principles, we developed a colorimetric sensing platform for the detection of INH and AA, exhibiting good sensitivity and stability. This work provided a straightforward approach to the structural engineering of nanomaterials and the enhancement of enzyme-mimicking properties.

Current Development of Thiazole-Containing Compounds as Potential Antibacterials against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The emergence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria is threatening to human health and life around the world. In particular, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes fatal injuries to human beings and serious economic losses to animal husbandry due to its easy transmission and difficult treatment. Currently, the development of novel, highly effective, and low-toxicity antimicrobials is important to combat MRSA infections. Thiazole-containing compounds with good biological activity are widely used in clinical practice, and appropriate structural modifications make it possible to develop new antimicrobials. Here, we review thiazole-containing compounds and their antibacterial effects against MRSA reported in the past two decades and discuss their structure-activity relationships as well as the corresponding antimicrobial mechanisms. Some thiazole-containing compounds exhibit potent antibacterial efficacy in vitro and in vivo after appropriate structural modifications and could be used as antibacterial candidates. This Review provides insights into the development of thiazole-containing compounds as antimicrobials to combat MRSA infections.

Metal-phenolic networks derived CN-FeC hollow nanozyme with robust peroxidase-like activity for total antioxidant capacity detection

A tannate-iron network-derived peroxidase-like catalyst loaded with Fe ions on carbon nitride (C3N4) was reported for detection of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in food in this study. Metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) was employed to form a low coordination compound on C3N4, and calcined catalyst formed hollow structure with abundant and uniform Fe sites and surface folds. CN-FeC exhibited significant peroxidase-like activity and high substrate affinity. The homogeneous distribution of amorphous Fe elements on the C3N4 substrate provides more active sites, resulting in provided excellent catalytic activity to activate H2O2 to ·OH, 1O2 and O2·-. The established CN-FeC/TMB/H2O2 colorimetric system can detect AA in the concentration range of 5-40 μM, with the detection limits of 1.40 μM, respectively. It has good accuracy for the detection of vitamin C tablets, beverages. Taken together, this work shows that metal-phenolic networks can be an effective way to achieve efficient utilization of metal atoms and provides a promising idea for metal-phenolic networks in nanoparticle enzyme performance enhancement.

Recent Development of Copper-Based Nanozymes for Biomedical Applications

Copper (Cu), an indispensable trace element within the human body, serving as an intrinsic constituent of numerous natural enzymes, carrying out vital biological functions. Furthermore, nanomaterials exhibiting enzyme-mimicking properties, commonly known as nanozymes, possess distinct advantages over their natural enzyme counterparts, including cost-effectiveness, enhanced stability, and adjustable performance. These advantageous attributes have captivated the attention of researchers, inspiring them to devise various Cu-based nanomaterials, such as copper oxide, Cu metal-organic framework, and CuS, and explore their potential in enzymatic catalysis. This comprehensive review encapsulates the most recent advancements in Cu-based nanozymes, illuminating their applications in the realm of biochemistry. Initially, it is delved into the emulation of typical enzyme types achieved by Cu-based nanomaterials. Subsequently, the latest breakthroughs concerning Cu-based nanozymes in biochemical sensing, bacterial inhibition, cancer therapy, and neurodegenerative diseases treatment is discussed. Within this segment, it is also explored the modulation of Cu-based nanozyme activity. Finally, a visionary outlook for the future development of Cu-based nanozymes is presented.

High Peroxidase-Mimicking Metal-Organic Frameworks Decorated with Platinum Nanozymes for the Colorimetric Detection of Acetylcholine Chloride and Organophosphorus Pesticides via Enzyme Cascade Reaction

The sensitive detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) is very important for the protection of human health. Herein, a hybrid material, Pt NPs/Fe-MOF, consisting of a metal-organic framework (MIL-88B-NH2, Fe-MOF) decorated with platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs), was prepared first and exhibited remarkably improved and excellent peroxidase-mimicking activity compared to the Fe-MOF material resulting from the synergistic catalysis effect between Fe-MOF and Pt NPs, which can effectively catalyze 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation to generate a blue product (oxidized TMB, oxTMB). Interestingly, in the presence of AChE and acetylcholinesterase, the peroxidase-mimicking activity from Pt NPs/Fe-MOF was inhibited obviously, and thus, a colorimetric sensing platform for AChE can be constructed; more importantly, after the addition of OPs, this nanozyme activity can be recovered, inducing the further successful construction of a sensitive colorimetric sensing platform for OPs. The related sensing mechanism and condition optimization were studied, and the as-prepared Pt NPs/Fe-MOF nanozyme-based colorimetric method for AChE and OP detection displayed superior analytical performances with wide linearities and low detection limits. Furthermore, the designed method offers satisfactory real application ability. We expect the as-proposed Pt NPs/Fe-MOF nanozyme-based colorimetric sensing platform for AChE and OPs via the enzyme cascade reaction to show great potential application.

A PdPt nanoparticle-decorated thiol-functionalized MOF with high peroxidase-like activity for colorimetric sensing of D-glucose and chlorophenol isomers

The peroxidase (POD)-like catalytic activity of various nanozymes was extensively applied in many significant fields. In this study, a thiol-functionalized MOF-loaded PdPt nanocomposite (UiO-66-(SH)₂@PdPt) was fabricated, which possesses superior and selective POD-like activity with strong affinity towards H₂O₂ and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine under mild conditions. The POD-like property of UiO-66-(SH)₂@PdPt was used to sensitively detect the concentration of D-glucose under near-neutral (pH = 6.5) conditions. The detection limit of D-glucose was as low as 2.7 μM, and the linear range of D-glucose was 5-700 μM. In addition, UiO-66-(SH)₂@PdPt could accelerate the oxidative coupling chromogenic reaction of chlorophenol (CP) and 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) in the presence of H₂O₂. Based on this phenomenon, a simple and visualized sensing array for the identification of chlorophenol contaminant isomers was further constructed to finally achieve the effective differentiation of three monochlorophenol isomers and six dichlorophenol isomers. Furthermore, a colorimetric detection method for 2-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol was established. This work provides an effective means to improve the catalytic activity and selectivity of nanozymes by introducing an ideal carrier, which will be of significant value for the design of efficient nanozymes.

Mineral-Enhanced Manganese Ferrite with Multiple Enzyme-Mimicking Activities for Visual Detection of Disease Markers

Local geometric configurations of metal cations in inorganic enzyme mimics determine their catalytic behaviors, while their optimization remains challenging. Herein, kaolinite, a naturally layered clay mineral, achieves the optimization of cationic geometric configuration in manganese ferrite. We demonstrate that the exfoliated kaolinite induces the formation of defective manganese ferrite and makes more iron cations fill into the octahedral sites, significantly enhancing the multiple enzyme-mimicking activities. The steady-state kinetic assay results show that the catalytic constant of composites toward 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and H₂O₂ are more than 7.4- and 5.7-fold higher than manganese ferrite, respectively. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the outstanding enzyme-mimicking activity of composites is attributed to the optimized iron cation geometry configuration, which has a higher affinity and activation ability toward H₂O₂ and lowers the energy barrier of key intermediate formation. As a proof of concept, the novel structure with multiple enzyme-mimicking activities amplifies the colorimetric signal, realizing the ultrasensitive visual detection of disease marker acid phosphatase (ACP), with a detection limit of 0.25 mU/mL. Our findings provide a novel strategy for the rational design of enzyme mimics and an in-depth investigation of their enzyme-mimicking properties.

Nanozyme-catalyzed cascade reaction enables a highly sensitive detection of live bacteria

The accurate and timely detection of bacteria is critically important for human health as it helps to determine the original source of bacterial infections and prevent disease spread. Herein, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using polyoxometalates (POMs) as the stabilizing agent. Since AuNPs have glucose oxidase (GOx)-like activity and POMs possess peroxidase (HRP)-like activity, the as-prepared Au@POM nanoparticles have double enzyme-like activities and facilitate cascade reaction. As known, glucose is required as an energy resource during bacterial metabolism, the concentration of glucose decreases with the increase of bacteria content in a system with bacteria and glucose. Therefore, when we use Au@POM nanozymes to trigger the cascade catalysis of glucose and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), the concentration of glucose and bacteria can be sensitively detected using the absorbance intensity at 652 nm in the visible spectrum. As demonstration, S. aureus and E. coli were used as model bacteria. The experimental results show that the present method has a good linear relationship in the bacterial concentration range of 1 to 7.5 × 10⁷ colony-forming units (CFU) mL^-1 with a detection limit of 5 CFU mL^-1. This study shows a great promise of nanozyme cascade reactions in the construction of biosensors and clinical detections.