Metal-based nanomaterials with enzyme-like characteristics for bacterial rapid detection and control

•The catalytic properties and mechanisms of metal-based nanozymes are generalized.•The factors of adjust metal-based nanozymes activity were discussed.•The biosensing applications of metal-based nanozymes for bacteria are summarized.•The role of metal-based nanozymes in disinfection and biofilm eradication were reviewed.•The potential challenges and prospected in bacterial prevention and control are summarized. Bacterial contamination exists in all links of the food industry chain, and bacterial infections in clinical treatment have become a major problem in the field of global public health. Conventional detection methods cannot be further applied due to limitations imposed by natural enzymes, including the expensive cost of manufacturing, low catalytic performance, and intolerance to harsh conditions. Treatment tactics for bacterial infections usually rely on antibiotics, which can lead to the generation of bacterial resistance and further complicate the cure. Thus, it is critical to develop alternatives to natural enzymes and antibiotics to open up new signal transduction tags and antimicrobial strategies in the face of increasingly abominable bacterial contamination and drug resistance. Taking inspiration from the elements of the metal active center shown in natural enzymes, metal-based nanozymes exhibit several superior properties compared to natural enzymes. These properties include simple synthesis, easy adjustment of size, composition, and morphology, splendid biocatalytic performance, and excellent stability. More significantly, metal-based nanozymes exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial ability without bacterial resistance. Hence, the design of metal-based nanozymes furnishes more options for the development of various bacterial biosensors and antimicrobial tactics. In this review, the classification of metal-based nanozymes, possible catalytic mechanisms, factors affecting enzyme-mimicking activity, biosensing applications of pathogenic bacteria, antibacterial activities, and eradication of biofilms are detailedly introduced and debated. The challenges and prospects of metal-based nanozymes in the field of bacterial prevention and control are generalized. It is anticipated that this review will provide fresh insights into the development of metal-based nanozymes as a comprehensive detection and disinfection method and contribute characteristic ideas to the design of future antibacterial agents for clinical applications.