From DNA to Nerve Agents - The Biomimetic Catalysts for the Hydrolysis of Phosphate Esters

The phosphate ester bonds are widely present in living organisms and in the environment. From the nucleic acids to the sparingly dispersed pesticides and chemical warfare residues, the phosphoester bond's stability against hydrolysis can be extremely high or exceptionally low. Recently, the enzyme-mimicking nanomaterials, namely 'nanozyme', have been explored for their activities in hydrolytically cleaving DNA, organophosphate and their analogues. Herein in a broad perspective these nanomaterials were summarized and compared with a view to reproducing the catalysis efficiency and selectivity of natural phosphatases and nucleases. The development of biomimetic inorganic materials would not only provide potential nanomedicine for future gene editing, but also offer alternative solutions to the environmentally friendly treatment of pesticide residues and chemical warfare stockpiles.