Aptamer-Modified Cu²⁺-Functionalized C-Dots: Versatile Means to Improve Nanozyme Activities-"Aptananozymes"

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Catalysis

Background:

• Nanozymes offer catalytic properties but often lack substrate specificity.
• Aptamers are nucleic acid ligands that bind specific targets with high affinity.
• Combining nanozymes and aptamers can create targeted catalytic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile method for enhancing nanozyme catalytic activity using aptamer conjugation.
• To create aptamer-nanozyme conjugates (aptananozymes) for specific substrate transformations.
• To investigate the catalytic efficiency, substrate binding, and chiroselectivity of the developed aptananozymes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of copper ion-functionalized carbon dots (C-dots).
• Covalent linkage of dopamine binding aptamer (DBA) or tyrosinamide binding aptamer (TBA) to C-dots.
• Characterization of aptananozyme structure, catalytic activity, substrate binding, and chiroselectivity.

Main Results:

• Structurally functionalized aptananozymes exhibited superior catalytic activities compared to individual components.
• Catalytic functions were effectively controlled by the aptamer structure linked to the nanozyme.
• Chiroselective catalysis was demonstrated, enabling differentiation between L- and D-enantiomers (e.g., DOPA oxidation).

Conclusions:

• Aptamer-nanozyme conjugation is a powerful strategy to create highly active and specific nanozymes.
• The developed aptananozymes mimic enzyme functions by concentrating substrates and enabling precise catalytic control.
• This approach opens avenues for designing advanced nano-biocatalysts with tailored functionalities.