Nanozyme-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions for Mitochondria-Mimicking Oxidative Phosphorylation

Multiple-enzyme-involving cascade reactions that yield bioenergy are necessary in natural oxidative phosphorylation. However, in vitro applications are hampered by the sensitivity of catalytic activity to environmental adaptation. Herein, we explore nanozyme-catalyzed cascade reactions in an assembled hybrid architecture for mitochondria-mimicking oxidative phosphorylation. Hollow silica microspheres containing trapped gold nanoparticles were synthesized to promote two enzyme-like catalytic reactions that transform glucose into gluconic acid in the presence of oxygen. The resulting transmembrane proton gradient drives natural ATP synthase reconstituted on the surface to convert ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP. The assembled architecture possesses high activity for oxidative phosphorylation, comparable to that of natural mitochondria. This study provides a new natural-artificial hybrid prototype for exploring bioenergy supply systems and holds great promise for ATP-powered bioapplications.