Preparation and application of enzyme-based hydrogels

• Published in: Biosensors and bioelectronics. X Vol. 23; p. 100594
• Main Authors: Wen, Yahui, Wang, Xinghai, Zhao, Jinxue, Zhai, Xuejing, Xia, Wei, Li, Peiyi, Lai, Keqiang, Wu, Lidong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.2025; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biomimetic enzymes; Enzymes; Flexible materials; Hydrogels; Flexible materials; Enzymes; Hydrogels; Biomimetic enzymes
• ISSN: 2590-1370; 2590-1370
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100594

Enzymes are highly efficient catalysts in nature, governing countless reactions in biological systems. Enzyme-based hydrogels are three-dimensional network materials with enzyme activity, created by loading enzymes into hydrogels or using hydrogels to synthesize polymeric materials. Due to their high biocompatibility, enzyme-based hydrogels exhibit broad application potential in various fields. In recent years, researchers have been continuously exploring new preparation methods to improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of enzyme-based hydrogels. Additionally, the introduction of materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has further enhanced the biological activity of these hydrogels. This review summarizes recent preparation methods and structural characteristics of enzyme-based hydrogels, with a focus on their applications in biosensors and medical fields, highlighting the vast application prospects of enzyme-based hydrogels. •Enzymes play a pivotal role as catalysts in biological reactions, yet their fragile structure makes it difficult to incorporate them into synthetic materials.•Hydrogels provide a suitable environment for enzymes, and some hydrogels themselves exhibit enzymatic activity.•Preparation methods for introducing enzymes into hydrogels while maintaining enzyme activity.•Applications of enzyme-loaded hydrogels and enzyme-mimetic hydrogels.