Recent advances in nanozymes based on mesoporous materials for enhancing the performance of colorimetric biosensors: Applications and challenges

Abstract

Despite significant advancements in colorimetric assays, challenges in their sensitivity and selectivity remain, hindering their widespread applications. The nanotechnology revolution has played a pivotal role in developing sensitive and selective colorimetric biosensing assays, especially through the use of mesoporous materials to improve the performance of nanozymes and mesoporous nanozymes in colorimetric sensing. The role of mesoporous materials in these systems can be classified into three main types: supporting matrix, coating agent, and nanozymes themselves. Among different mesoporous materials, mesoporous silica (MS), mesoporous carbon (MC), mesoporous metal and metal oxide nanozymes have been widely used in colorimetric assays. Each category is characterized by specific properties, such as extensive surface area, adjustable porosity, and biomimetic catalytic features, which considerably enhance their enzyme-like activities. This study reviews current progress in the development of different mesoporous nanozyme systems, highlighting the pivotal functions of these nanozymes in colorimetric detection approaches. Along with focusing on the crucial role of these nanozymes in catalytic colorimetric reactions, we emphasize the advantages of colorimetric sensors. Their simplicity, affordability, and rapid reaction times introduce effective sensing approaches for detecting a wide range of targets. The application of these advanced colorimetric biosensing assays extends across multiple domains, including pollution monitoring in environmental matrices, food safety assessment, and biological applications.