Dextran-coated Gd-based ultrasmall nanoparticles as phosphatase-like nanozyme to increase ethanol yield via reduction of yeast intracellular ATP level

Nanozymes-functional materials that possess intrinsic enzyme-like characteristics-have gained tremendous attention in recent years owing to their unique advantages; however, further research is required to understand their scope in biological applications. In this study, dextran-coated nanogadolinia (DCNG) was synthesised, and its phosphatase mimetic activity was demonstrated. Specifically, the dephosphorylation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an important biomolecule, by DCNG was investigated. The results showed that DCNG could selectively catalyse the hydrolysis of the terminal high-energy phosphate bonds of ATP under physiological conditions. Furthermore, the biocompatible DCNG, with remarkable phosphatase mimicking activity, decreased the intracellular ATP content by dephosphorylation and increased ethanol yield during glucose fermentation by S. cerevisiae. These results indicate potential alternatives for improving ethanol yields and exploring novel biological applications of nanozymes.