Construction of Au@MnO₂ Yolk-in-Shell Nanostructures as Uricase Mimics for Efficient Hyperuricemia Therapy

Hyperuricemia, marked by elevated blood uric acid levels, poses significant health risks. Current uricase-based treatments have a serious issue of H₂O₂ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. MnO₂-based nanozymes have been demonstrated to possess uricase-like catalytic activity, but with the limitations of low catalytic performance and poor H₂O₂ and ROS removal ability. This study investigates a novel nanostructure of the Au@MnO₂ yolk-in-shell for managing hyperuricemia. This unique nanohybrid structure, with an individual Au nanoparticle embedded within the hollow MnO₂ shell, reduces the Au loading and shows exceptional uricase-like catalytic performance. Density functional theory calculations reveal the existence of the strong synergistic interactions between the Au and MnO₂ interface layer within this structure, and the introduction of Au increases adsorption energies for both oxygen and uric acid on MnO₂, facilitating an efficient catalytic process. The Au@MnO₂ yolk-in-shell nanostructure exhibits excellent metabolic rates, good biocompatibility, and superior therapeutic effects. (The blood uric acid level is decreased by 71%, and both liver and kidney functions return to normal). These findings underscore the Au@MnO₂ yolk-in-shell nanostructure as a promising candidate for hyperuricemia treatment. This approach paves the way for efficient, cost-effective therapies and provides valuable insights into enhancing enzyme activity in various applications.