Nanozyme and Abiogenesis
10.16476/j.pibb.2024.0418
- VernacularTitle:纳米酶与生命起源
- Author:
Long MA
1
;
Zi-Mo LIANG
1
;
Yin-Yin HOU
1
;
Jing FENG
1
;
Ke-Long FAN
1
;
Xi-Yun YAN
1
Author Information
1. National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
origin of life;
chemical origin;
inorganic minerals;
nanozyme
- From:
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics
2024;51(10):2274-2291
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Nanozymes, a groundbreaking discovery by Chinese scientists, represent a novel and remarkable property of nanomaterials. They not only exhibit catalytic activity comparable to natural enzymes, but also boast exceptional stability, tunable reactivity, and the ability to catalyze reactions under mild conditions. The identification of nanozymes has unveiled the biocatalytic potential of inorganic nanomaterials. In parallel, inorganic minerals have long been regarded as pivotal catalysts in the origin of life, driving the synthesis of early biomolecules. These minerals not only facilitate redox reactions that convert simple inorganic compounds into organic molecules but also enable chiral selection, the synthesis of biomacromolecules, and radioprotective functions via their surface structures. Recent advances suggest that inorganic nanomaterials can delicately catalyze the formation of biomolecules, aid in macromolecular assembly, and provide radiation shielding. Furthermore, nanominerals are found in abundance across Earth and extraterrestrial environments. This paper seeks to explore the potential of nanozymes as catalytic agents in the processes that gave rise to life, integrating the catalytic roles of inorganic minerals with the unique attributes of nanozymes, which will provide a new perspective for research of origin of life.
