2603003167
  • Open Access
  • Review

Photo-Regulated Nanozymes for Sensing

  • Wenxuan Jiang 1,   
  • Yu Wu 1,   
  • Jingying Wang 1,   
  • Yuehe Lin 2,*,   
  • Chengzhou Zhu 1,*

Received: 28 Dec 2025 | Revised: 04 Feb 2026 | Accepted: 02 Mar 2026 | Published: 06 Mar 2026

Abstract

Advances in nanotechnology have facilitated the emergence of diverse nanozymes. Photo-regulated nanozymes represent a unique class of enzyme mimics with their activities being precisely modulated by irradiation. The distinct catalytic mechanisms of photo-regulated nanozymes enable their versatile applications across multiple fields, particularly in sensing. However, the low catalytic efficiency of most photo-regulated nanozymes limits their practical application. Designing advanced photo-regulated nanozymes is promising, yet achieving this remains a great challenge. In this review, the catalytic mechanisms of photo-regulated nanozymes are systematically introduced, and several effective strategies for the rational design of advanced photo-regulated nanozymes are also highlighted. Furthermore, we summarize the recent advances of photo-regulated nanozymes in sensing and discuss the potential challenges and the corresponding strategies in their development. It is believed that this review can revolutionize the design concepts of photo-regulated nanozymes and expand their prospects in sensing applications.

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Jiang, W.; Wu, Y.; Wang, J.; Lin, Y.; Zhu, C. Photo-Regulated Nanozymes for Sensing. Nano-electrochemistry & Nano-photochemistry 2026, 2 (1), 6. https://doi.org/10.53941/nenp.2026.100006.
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