Metal Oxide-Based Nanomaterials for Nanozymes

Abstract

Metal oxide-based nanomaterials have been extensively studied to mimic various natural enzymes due to their unique properties. In this chapter, several metal oxide-based nanozymes are discussed. First, the use of cerium oxide nanomaterials for mimicking natural enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, oxidase, peroxidase, phosphatase, etc.) is discussed. Second, the use of iron oxide nanomaterials for peroxidase mimics and other mimics is covered. Third, the enzyme mimicking activities of other metal oxides (such as vanadium oxide, cobalt oxide, copper oxide, etc.) are discussed. The catalytic mechanisms are also discussed if they have been elucidated. Selected examples for broad applications are discussed, which cover from glucose detection, DNA detection, immunoassay, and immunostaining, to neuroprotection, cardioprotection, cancer therapy, and tissue engineering.