Advances in Single-Atom Nanozymes Research†

Nanozymes with intrinsic enzyme-like properties have attracted significant interest owing to their capability to address the limitations of traditional enzymes such as fragility, high cost and difficult mass production. However, the currently reported nanozymes are generally less active than natural enzymes. In recent years, with the rapid development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes) with well-defined electronic and geometric structures have shown a promise to serve as direct surrogates of traditional enzymes by mimicking the highly evolved catalytic center of natural enzymes. In this review, we will introduce the enzymatic characteristics and recent advances of SAzymes, and summarize their significant applications from in vitro detection to in vivo monitoring and therapy.

Automated summary

Nanozymes with intrinsic enzyme-like properties have attracted significant interest due to their potential to address the limitations of traditional enzymes, but their activity is generally lower than natural enzymes. Single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes) with well-defined electronic and geometric structures have shown promise as direct surrogates of traditional enzymes.