Nanozymes: The Battle between Man and Nature

Our bodies contain mysteries that, if we thought about them, would completely change the way we viewed our species. One such fascinating mystery is the protein. Specialized proteins called enzymes work quietly behind the scenes, allowing us to breathe, move, think, and stay alive. Despite their cruciality in human survival, however, humans have never been able to artificially create them with effective success, nor have they thought it was possible. At least, not until very recently. 

Chinese researchers also discovered that some nanoparticles had characteristics similar to enzymes, strengthening the possibility of artificial enzymes. Just to put this in context, phosphorylation is a process vital in many important pathways in the human body, including the expression of genes. The expression of genes is crucial to survival, as it allows DNA to be replicated, it allows for gametes to be created, it allows for cell division, and more. The discovery that certain nanoparticles could act as enzymes used in phosphorylation reactions starts to seem much more profound, with implications that could very well change the field of biology. 

And change the field it did, with chemists and biologists customizing nanoparticles with functional groups (strings of chemical groups with different properties) with the same fervor and excitement as a kid adding toppings to his ice cream. These “nanozymes,” as they’re called, are able to exhibit the properties of specific enzymes based on their functional groups and can work effectively to fulfill the job of the enzyme it’s supposed to be mimicking. For example, scientists have made a certain nanoparticle made of Fe3O4 that mimics peroxidase, an enzyme that allows for the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, a toxic substance produced during respiration in humans. 

Nanozymes, if made right, can even be an improvement over natural enzymes. Because natural enzymes are just proteins, they have limitations to their working efficiency. If the enzyme leaves its optimal pH or temperature range due to a change in the environment, the enzyme runs the risk of being denatured, destroying the enzyme. However, because nanozymes are artificial, scientists can easily modify them to be resistant to changes in their environment, meaning that they’ll be much more efficient and more stable than natural enzymes in environments that are subject to environmental changes.