Enzyme-mimicking catalytic activities and biomedical applications of bimetallic nanozymes.

Abstract

Bimetallic nanostructures, characterized by a structural complexity and hierarchy akin to natural metalloproteases, have garnered considerable interest in the field of artificial enzyme research. These protein-like structures impart bimetallic nanostructures with enzyme-like catalytic activities, encompassing peroxidase-, catalase-, and superoxide dismutase-mimicking activities. This suggests significant potential for application in biomedical domains. This review endeavors to synthesize bimetallic nanozymes, focusing on the hetero-metal spatial arrangement and elucidating the structural basis underlying their catalytic efficacy. The enzyme-like activities are systematically discussed. Typically, the catalytic mechanism of bimetallic nanozymes entails electronic structure modulation, interfacial synergy, and the convergence of multiple enzyme-like functions. By capitalizing on the synergistic interaction between the two metals, the active center structure and electron transfer mechanism akin to natural enzymes can be established, leading to highly efficient substrate conversion. Furthermore, beyond structure-property correlations, this review illustrates biomedical applications arising from the catalytic mimicry of bimetallic nanozymes, encompassing theranostics for wound healing, periodontitis, and oral infections, bone regeneration, tumor treatment, biosensing etc. The fundamental and methodological insights presented here will be instrumental in advancing the development of bimetallic nanozymes as a novel class of artificial enzymes.