The marriage of nanozymes and phages promotes pathogenic bacteria detection and elimination: a review

Abstract

Nanozymes, catalytic nanomaterials designed to mimic natural enzymes, revolutionize biochemical sensing and antimicrobial applications due to their exceptional stability and tunable catalytic properties. However, their restricted specificity remains a challenge for precise targeting. Phages, natural predators of bacteria, are demonstrated to be effective recognition elements in antimicrobial agents. Given the inherent advantages of nanozymes and phages, their hybrid systems are being developed to promote the detection and elimination of pathogenic bacteria. This review highlights the synergy of nanozymes and phages in advancing pathogenic bacteria sensing and disinfection. A concise classification of nanozymes and their activity regulation strategies were first introduced, followed by summarizing the methodologies for engineering phage–nanozyme hybrids. The capability of phage–nanozyme biosensing platforms for ultra-sensitive bacteria analysis across multiple readout modalities was subsequently discussed. Furthermore, compelling evidence of the nanozyme–phage synergy was demonstrated in achieving enhanced antimicrobial performance through targeted pathogen recognition and localized catalysis. Finally, emerging opportunities and challenges in the interdisciplinary field were critically examined. By elucidating the trend of integrating biological recognition fidelity and programmable nanomaterial functionality, this review aims to provide some new insights into the fight against pathogenic bacteria.