@article{Zhang2026, 
author = {Shuhan Zhang and Zihao Deng and Zhiyan Zhao and Chen Wang and Congcong Huang and Chuanqi Zhao and Yujun Song and Jingsheng Niu},
title = {A heterovalent single-atom bioorthogonal nanozyme engineered via metal-phenolic networks for potent antimicrobial therapy},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {19},
number = {9},
pages = {94908851},
keywords = {single-atom nanozyme, heterovalent, antimicrobial, metal-phenolic, click chemistry},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2026.94908851},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2026.94908851},
abstract = {Single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes) are emerging as superior alternatives to conventional nanozymes for antibacterial therapy and other biomedical applications, owing to their well-defined structures, unambiguous catalytic sites and exceptional catalytic activities. However, constructing tailored multicomponent SAzymes with mixed-valence state catalytic units remains challenging. Herein, we present a heterovalent FeN4-Cu0 bioorthogonal nanozyme engineered from metal-phenolic networks. This unique architecture compartmentalizes distinct catalytic functions: The FeN4 single atoms exhibit high peroxidase-like activity to catalyze the generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH), while the Cu0 clusters activate antimicrobial molecules via click chemistry. Meanwhile, the spiky morphology of FeN4-Cu0 potentiates the antibacterial efficacy by physically trapping bacteria, thereby enabling the localized synergistic sterilization through reactive oxygen species and activated drugs. Combined experimental and mechanistic studies demonstrate that this system achieves remarkable antibacterial efficacy by disrupting the bacterial membrane structure, inhibiting biosynthesis and metabolism, inducing oxidative stress, and disrupting energy metabolism. This work provides a feasible strategy for constructing customizable single-atom bioorthogonal nanozymes with mixed oxidation-state catalytic units.}
}