Antimicrobial Nanozymes: Structure-Activity-Guided Design, Synergy, and Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Nanozymes are emerging as potent antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant pathogens and biofilms.
• Natural enzymes provide bioinspired catalytic motifs for designing effective nanozymes.
• Understanding structure-activity relationships is crucial for optimizing nanozyme performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an integrated framework linking natural enzyme defense to nanozyme development.
• To summarize advances in antimicrobial nanozymes via a mechanism-materials-engineering-application pipeline.
• To provide application-oriented guidance for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Classification of nanozymes by catalytic activities (oxidoreductase, hydrolase) and material platforms.
• Review of engineering-enhanced bactericidal modalities (photothermal, photodynamic, ion release, etc.).
• Analysis of strategies to overcome challenging infectious microenvironments (hypoxia, biofilms).

Main Results:

• Nanozymes exhibit diverse catalytic activities mimicking natural enzymes.
• Engineering strategies significantly enhance nanozyme efficacy against resistant microbes.
• Nanozymes show promise in surface protection and treating various infections.

Conclusions:

• Antimicrobial nanozymes offer a versatile platform for combating infectious diseases.
• Translational considerations like benchmarking, biosafety, and manufacturing are key for clinical relevance.
• Further research into antifungal and antiviral nanozymes is warranted.