Peroxidases and Peroxidase-Mimicking Capacities of Copper Nanozymes: Catalytic Mechanism, Applications, and Properties-A Review.

Abstract

Peroxidases, despite their substrate selectivity and catalytic activity, suffer from instability and costly purification. Copper nanozymes, stable and cost-effective peroxidase mimics, are increasingly replacing natural peroxidases, which suffer from instability and expensive purification. Composed of diverse materials like metals, metal oxides, carbon, and metal-organic frameworks, Cu nanozymes demonstrate significant potential in biological diagnostics, environmental remediation, and pharmaceutical development. Their superior redox catalytic efficiency and stability, coupled with reactive oxygen species generation, are enabling novel antibacterial drug development. This underscores the significance of copper nanozymes with peroxidase-like activity across biology, chemistry, and medicine.