Development of a Zn‐Based Single‐Atom Nanozyme for Efficient Hydrolysis of Glycosidic Bonds

Abstract Hydrolytic enzymes are essential components in second‐generation biofuel technology and food fermentation processes. Nanozymes show promise for large‐scale industrial applications as replacements for natural enzymes due to their distinct advantages. However, there remains a research gap concerning glycosidase nanozymes. In this study, a Zn‐based single‐atom nanozyme (ZnN 4 ‐900) is developed for efficient glycosidic bond hydrolysis in an aqueous solution. The planar structure of the class‐porphyrin N 4 material approximatively mimicked the catalytic centers of natural enzymes, facilitating oxidase‐like (OXD‐like) activity and promoting glycosidic bond cleavage. Theoretical calculations show that the Zn site can act as Lewis acids, attacking the C─O bond in glycosidic bonds. Additionally, ZnN 4 ‐900 has the ability to degrade starch and produce reducing sugars that increased yeast cell biomass by 32.86% and ethanol production by 14.56%. This catalyst held promising potential for enhancing processes in ethanol brewing and starch degradation industries.