Emerging Trends in Smart Nanozymes for Microplastic/Nanoplastic Remediation: Mechanistic Insights and Food System...

Microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in the food chain poses growing risks to food safety and human health, while conventional removal strategies remain limited in efficiency and sustainability. Nanozymes, nanomaterials with enzyme-like catalytic activities, have emerged as promising tools for plastic degradation and detoxification. This review summarizes emerging smart nanozyme strategies for microplastic and nanoplastic remediation with a focus on food system applications. We first outline key catalytic mechanisms, particularly oxidative and hydrolytic pathways relevant to polymer breakdown. Advances in intelligent nanozyme design, including stimulus-responsive systems activated by pH, light, or pollutants, are then discussed to highlight performance enhancement and selectivity control. Applications of nanozymes across the food chain, including food processing, packaging, and water purification, are critically reviewed. Finally, biosafety considerations, toxicity regulation, and translational challenges are evaluated. This review bridges mechanistic insights with practical deployment, providing guidance for developing nanozyme-enabled solutions to mitigate microplastic risks in food systems.