Copper-based biomimetic nanozymes with multi-enzyme activity for phosphate detection

Nanozymes are nanoparticles with enzymatic activity, which are widely used in environmental and antibacterial research. Herein, we designed and synthesized novel amorphous nanozyme Cu-Im NPs with multiple enzyme-mimicking activities. Cu-Im NPs have the same active sites as natural laccase. In addition, the active center is similar to that of carbonic hydrolase, replacing the zinc ions with copper ions. Meanwhile, Cu-Im NPs also possess peroxidase-like activity. We reveal the multi-enzyme catalytic mechanisms of Cu-Im NPs. Notably, phosphate inhibits the laccase-like and peroxidase-like activities of Cu-Im NPs while activating their hydrolase activity. Based on these findings, we have developed a sensitive and selective method for detecting phosphate anions.