Polyphenol Oxidase-Like Nanozymes

Abstract

Nanozymes are nanomaterials with enzyme-like activities. Over the past decade, a steadily growing body of research on polyphenol oxidase-like (PPO-like) nanozymes, a subgroup of oxidase-like nanozymes, has suggested their increasing prominence in nanozymology. Most importantly, PPO-like nanozymes have developed a unique, well-defined, and systematic design philosophy along with a corresponding catalytic mechanism. In this context, for the first time, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current research status of PPO-like nanozymes, including a systematic summary of their classification, activity modulation, catalytic mechanisms, and interdisciplinary applications. The review subsequently presents an in-depth analysis of its biomedical prospects, including in vivo safety, therapeutic mechanisms, targeting capabilities, scalability, reproducibility, and regulatory barriers, to help overcome the obstacles to its clinical translation. By drawing insights from natural enzymes, the unique advantages and future potential of PPO-like nanozymes in biomedical treatment are examined, aiming to explore this promising field further. Finally, a data-driven approach is employed to offer insights for the rational design of PPO-like nanozymes, along with a comprehensive outlook on their current challenges and prospects to promote continued advancement. It is hoped that this review offers valuable insights into the development of PPO-like nanozymes and promote their translation into the biomedical field.

Keywords: biomedical applications; catalytic mechanisms; classification; data‐driven design; polyphenol oxidase‐like nanozymes.