Catalytic mechanism and biomedical applications of diatomic nanozymes

The diatomic nanozymes (DANs) represent a class of nanomaterials containing dual metals as active centers with enzyme-like activity inspired by natural enzymes. They hold unique catalytic properties caused by their dual-atom structure, which have attracted significant attention. The catalytic mechanism of DANs may involve synergistic interactions between neighboring metal atoms and the regulation of electron arrangement near the active center, enhancing catalytic activity and specificity. The excellent catalytic activity and exceptional stability make DANs promising candidates for developing sensitive biosensors capable of precisely detecting disease markers. Furthermore, DANs show great promise as antitumor therapeutic agents, offering enhanced efficacy while minimizing side effects. This review outlines the catalytic mechanism and biomedical applications of DANs. The discussion section highlights the challenges and prospects in the development of DANs, offering insights for future research endeavors in this field.