Surface Chemistry of Biologically Active Reducible Oxide Nanozymes

Reducible metal oxide nanozymes (rNZs) are a subject of intense recent interest due to their catalytic nature, ease of synthesis, and complex surface character. Such materials contain surface sites which facilitate enzyme-mimetic reactions via substrate coordination and redox cycling. Further, these surface reactive sites are shown to be highly sensitive to stresses within the nanomaterial lattice, the physicochemical environment, and to processing conditions occurring as part of their syntheses. When administered in vivo, a complex protein corona binds to the surface, redefining its biological identity and subsequent interactions within the biological system. Catalytic activities of rNZs each deliver a differing impact on protein corona formation, its composition, and in turn, their recognition, and internalization by host cells. Improving the understanding of the precise principles that dominate rNZ surface-biomolecule adsorption raises the question of whether designer rNZs can be engineered to prevent corona formation, or indeed to produce custom protein coronas applied either in vitro, and preadministration, or formed immediately upon their exposure to body fluids. Here, fundamental surface chemistry processes and their implications in rNZ material performance are considered. In particular, material structures which inform component adsorption from the application environment, including substrates for enzyme-mimetic reactions are discussed.

Automated summary

Reducible metal oxide nanozymes (rNZs) have attracted intense attention due to their catalytic nature, ease of synthesis, and complex surface character. Research has shown that the surface reactive sites of rNZs are highly sensitive to stresses, the physicochemical environment, and processing conditions. When administered in vivo, a protein corona binds to the surface, altering its biological identity and interactions within the biological system. The catalytic activities of rNZs impact protein corona formation, composition, and recognition by host cells. Understanding the principles that govern surface-biomolecule adsorption on rNZs is crucial for preventing corona formation or customizing protein coronas.