Catalytically Active Nanomaterials: Artificial Enzymes of Next Generation

Due to the inherent limitations associated with natural enzymes, discovery and development of nanomaterials-based artificial enzymes (nanozymes) are highly desired. These nanozymes may address the issues with practical applications of natural enzymes such as high cost of synthesis, purification, storage and limited spectrum of catalytic activity. In this review article, a crisp description of the recent progress in exploring, bio catalytic activity and constructing nanozymes, including AuNPs, carbon-based nanomaterials, and CeO 2 NPs are discussed. A brief description of new or enhanced applications of these nanozymes in bio diagnosis and therapeutics has also been provided. Additionally, a section is dedicated to the use of efficient modulators of nanozymes to improve the catalytic performance. Nanozymes exhibiting multi-enzyme activity such as core-shell of Au and CeO 2 NPs, carbon-based nanomaterials, and Au and SiO 2 NPs is also discussed in detail. Based on the recent investigations reported by our group and others, it is expected that nanozymes containing unique and tunable properties and functions will attract tremendous research interest and generate novel opportunities in several avenues of biomedicines. Keywords: Gold Nanoparticles; Cerium oxide; Peroxidase activity; Oxidase activity; Superoxide dismutase activity; Nanozyme