Two-Dimensional Carbon-Based Nanozymes: Synthesis, Catalytic Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications

Natural enzymes are essential for biomedical applications but are limited by high costs, instability, and strict storage conditions. Nanozymes have emerged as promising artificial alternatives, among which two-dimensional carbon-based nanozymes (2D CBNs) are attractive because their atomically thin geometry, highly exposed catalytic interfaces, tunable electronic structures, and programmable surface chemistry enable nanoscale catalytic regulation. These features allow 2D CBNs to act as enzyme mimetics and versatile catalytic nanoplatforms for controlling interfacial redox reactions in complex biological environments. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in 2D CBNs for biomedical applications. First, we summarize the main synthesis strategies for 2D CBNs, including top-down, bottom-up, and chemical transformation approaches. Subsequently, we discuss the catalytic mechanisms, covering peroxidase-, oxidase-, catalase-, superoxide dismutase-, and glutathione peroxidase-like activities, together with the strategies for regulating activity and optimizing performance, including structural modification, heteroatom doping, surface functionalization, heterostructure construction, and stimulus responsiveness. Furthermore, we examine the representative biomedical applications of 2D CBNs, including antibacterial therapy, cancer treatment, biosensing, and tissue repair. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions for advancing 2D CBNs toward biomedical translation. This review aims to provide scientific guidance for the further biomedical development of 2D CBNs.