Nanozymes with versatile redox capabilities inspired in metalloenzymes

Metalloenzymes represent exemplary systems in which an organic scaffold combines with a functional inorganic entity, resulting in excellent redox catalysts. Inspired by these natural hybrid biomolecules, biomolecular templates have garnered significant attention for the controlled synthesis of inorganic nanostructures. These nanostructures ultimately benefit from the protection and colloidal stabilization provided by the biomacromolecule. In this study, we have employed this strategy to prepare nanozymes with redox capabilities, utilizing the versatile catalytic profile of Pt-loaded nanomaterials. Thus, we have investigated protein-templated Pt-based nanoclusters of different sizes and compositions, which exhibit remarkable oxidase, catalase, and reductase-like activities. The interplay between the composition and catalytic activity highlighted the size of the nanocluster as the most prominent factor in determining the performance of the nanozymes. Additionally, we have demonstrated the use of protein-templated nanozymes as potential co-catalysts in combination with enzymes for coupled reactions, under both sequential and concurrent one-pot conditions. This study provides valuable insights into nanozyme design and its wide range of applications in the design of complex catalytic systems. Engineered artificial metalloenzymes based on protein-templated Pt nanoclusters yield highly efficient nanozymes serving as redox catalysts.

Automated summary

Metalloenzymes are exemplary systems that combine an organic scaffold with a functional inorganic entity to produce excellent redox catalysts. Inspired by these natural biomolecules, biomolecular templates have garnered significant attention for controlled synthesis of inorganic nanostructures. In this study, protein-templated platinum (Pt)-based nanoclusters of different sizes and compositions were investigated, demonstrating remarkable oxidase, catalase, and reductase-like activities. The size of the nanoclusters was found to be the most prominent factor influencing the catalytic performance of the nanozymes. Additionally, protein-templated nanozymes were successfully used as co-catalysts with enzymes for coupled reactions, under both sequential and concurrent one-pot conditions. This study provides valuable insights into nanozyme design and their application in complex catalytic systems.