Biomimetic Design of Tunable Nanozymes for Microbial Detection: A Review

The exploration and utilization of microbial resources have spurred the development of high-throughput detection technologies. Nevertheless, conventional methods remain constrained by limited sensitivity, long procedures, and operational complexity. Nanozymes, as artificial enzyme mimics, offer compelling advantages over natural enzymes, including cost efficiency, robust stability, scalable production, and retained catalytic activity under extreme conditions─properties that render them highly attractive for microbial detection. Central to their utility is their capacity for signal amplification, a critical feature that significantly enhances detection sensitivity and accuracy. Hence, we systematically outline the fundamental mechanisms of nanozyme-based detection, including enzyme-like activity and optical properties. We introduce the main categories of these materials and highlight their cutting-edge applications in microbial sensing, with a particular focus on innovative signal amplification strategies that optimize performance. By synthesizing these advances, we aim to provide a roadmap for future research in this dynamic field, underscoring the transformative potential of nanozymes in next-generation microbial diagnostics.