Graphene-based nanozymes for revolutionizing biomedical research

Abstract

Nanozymes, with nanoscale dimensions and enzyme-like properties, have garnered substantial interest as they can overcome the downsides of conventional enzymes, including fragility, high cost, tedious isolation, and expensive manufacturing. Over the past decade, a diverse range of nanomaterials have demonstrated the ability to mimic enzyme-like activity by incorporating multivalent elements into nanostructures. Notably, graphene-based nanomaterials, such as graphene, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide, with their precisely controlled scaffolds and electronic properties, have emerged as promising substitutes for traditional enzymes by emulating the intricately evolved catalytic centers of natural enzymes, including oxidase, peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. The distinct electronic, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties enable graphene-based nanozymes to provide multifunctional platforms for various biomedical applications, including wound healing, tissue regeneration, cancer treatment therapies, antibacterial activity, and biosensing applications. This in-depth review examines the enzymatic features and recent advancements of graphene-based nanozymes, highlighting their significant contributions to biomedicine.