A novel CuO nanoparticle loaded DMSN@MnO2 nanozyme as an optical platform for 2-mercaptobenzothiazole assays and biotoxicity mitigation

[Display omitted] •DMC nanozyme retains both peroxidase mimic and oxidase mimic activities simultaneously through rational design.•The absorbance and colorimetric methods are created for 2-mercaptobenzothiazole full-scenario analysis.•DMC exhibits excellent oxidative decomposition ability towards 2-mercaptobenzothiazole without relying on equipment.•DMC-mediated oxidative decomposition effectively minimizes the potential biological toxicity associated with MBT. 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), commonly employed in the rubber and metal industries, poses a significant environmental hazard, detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and potential carcinogenicity in humans. Urgent measures are warranted to develop practical strategies for MBT analysis and mitigation. This study introduces a novel nanozyme sensor, orderly consistent with dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticle (DMSN), CuO nanoparticle cargo, and MnO2 shell (designated as DMC), engineered for both MBT detection and degradation. By harnessing oxidase-like MnO2 and peroxidase-like CuO mediated singlet oxygen (1O2), superoxide anion radicals (O2•-), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) generation, combining with the MBT-triggered colorimetric change of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), the absorbance and colorimetric methods with a broad linear detection range spanning 0.25 to 30 μM and 122 nM limit of detection are established. Furthermore, leveraging the evident ROS production by the nanozymes, DMC exhibits the advanced capability to modulate MBT levels and notably mitigate its biotoxicity oxidatively due to the ultrahigh reactive •OH from CuO nanoparticle compare with the MnO2. This research presents a facile and cost-effective approach for MBT detection while contributing positively to MBT management and environmental preservation efforts.