Emerging green-synthesized nanozymes for microbial applications: toward sustainable antimicrobial technologies

Green-synthesized nanozymes represent a transformative approach to microbial control, integrating sustainability with advanced nano-catalytic function. These nanozymes exhibit remarkable enzyme-like activity, including oxidase, peroxidase, and catalase mimetic properties, enabling effective antimicrobial action via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, metal ion release, and biofilm disruption. Their synthesis through plant, microbial, algal, and waste-derived methods reduces toxicity and environmental impact while enhancing biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness. Applications in clinical therapies, food and water decontamination, and environmental remediation demonstrate their vast potential. Despite these promising attributes, green nanozymes still face challenges such as inconsistent catalytic efficiency, scalability, and limited substrate specificity. Future innovations must prioritize mechanistic understanding, atomic-level design, and AI-assisted synthesis to improve selectivity and reproducibility. Regulatory clarity and eco-toxicological evaluations will be critical for their clinical and commercial translation. Overall, green-synthesized nanozymes hold the promise to redefine antimicrobial strategies, offering multifunctional, low-carbon solutions aligned with the global sustainability agenda.