Plasmonic Nanozymes: Leveraging Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance to Boost the Enzyme‐Mimicking Activity of Nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanozymes, a type of nanomaterials that function similarly to natural enzymes, receive extensive attention in biomedical fields. However, the widespread applications of nanozymes are greatly plagued by their unsatisfactory enzyme‐mimicking activity. Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), a nanoscale physical phenomenon described as the collective oscillation of surface free electrons in plasmonic nanoparticles under light irradiation, offers a robust universal paradigm to boost the catalytic performance of nanozymes. Plasmonic nanozymes (PNzymes) with elevated enzyme‐mimicking activity by leveraging LSPR, emerge and provide unprecedented opportunities for biocatalysis. In this review, the physical mechanisms behind PNzymes are thoroughly revealed including near‐field enhancement, hot carriers, and the photothermal effect. The rational design and applications of PNzymes in biosensing, cancer therapy, and bacterial infections elimination are systematically introduced. Current challenges and further perspectives of PNzymes are also summarized and discussed to stimulate their clinical translation. It is hoped that this review can attract more researchers to further advance the promising field of PNzymes and open up a new avenue for optimizing the enzyme‐mimicking activity of nanozymes to create superior nanocatalysts for biomedical applications.

Nanotechnological strategies to increase the oxygen content of the tumor

“…With the action of oxygen and GOx, glucose can be converted into gluconic acid and H 2 O 2 , thereby cutting off the nutrition source of tumor cells and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation ( Huo et al, 2017 ; Xu et al, 2022c ; Wang et al, 2022f ). Considering that the catalytic activity of a single enzyme is insufficient to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects, the development of nanozymes with multiple enzyme-mimetic functions is necessary.…”

Single Copper Atom Photocatalyst Powers an Integrated Catalytic Cascade for Drug-Resistant Bacteria Elimination

“…Bacterial infections, especially those caused by multidrug resistant pathogens, have significantly threatened human health. , In nature, enzymes are widely involved in combating the invaded pathogens, especially in the Kingdoms Plantae and Animalia. , For example, lysozymes can induce bacterial lysis via cleavage of the peptidoglycans on the bacterial cell walls. − Enzymatic cascade reactions, powered by NADPH oxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), can efficiently produce highly oxidative HOCl • to damage the bacterial cell membrane. , Although natural enzymes are selective and efficient in catalysis, they also suffer from poor thermal stability, susceptibility to proteases and pH change, and high cost-effectiveness ratio. − To address the intrinsic shortcomings of natural enzymes, one promising strategy is to develop artificial enzyme mimics (AEMs). − In principle, most of these AEMs possess peroxidase and oxidase activity that can boost the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to damage the cell membrane, DNA, and biomacromolecules. , Several metal oxides, ions, and carbon-based nanomaterials have been developed and used as AEMs. ,, In most cases, these AEMs have a single function, used individually to catalyze reactions or in combination to achieve cascades. , Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop enzyme mimics with multiple functions to enable cascades in one system and subsequent biomedical applications.…”

“…12,19,20 In most cases, these AEMs have a single function, used individually to catalyze reactions or in combination to achieve cascades. 21,22 Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop enzyme mimics with multiple functions to enable cascades in one system and subsequent biomedical applications.…”

A peroxidase-like magneto-gold nanozyme AuNC@Fe3O4 with photothermal effect for induced cell apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro

“…Similar with natural enzymes, the catalytic ability of nanozymes could be enhanced by elevated temperature ( Wang et al, 2021 ; Zhu et al, 2022 ). Another hand, hot electrons could be transferred from AuNPs to empty orbits of H 2 O 2 , and activated the H 2 O 2 to generate •OH under NIR light irradiation ( Wang et al, 2017 ; Xu et al, 2022a ).…”