Key words
biomimetic - pesticide - degradation - synthetic catalysts - nanozyme
1
Introduction
Use of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and growth regulators has revolutionized
the agricultural sector which is the largest consumer of these products.[1] In addition to this, pesticides have also been utilized for public health activities
such as controlling vector-borne diseases, removal of weeds and grasses, and suppressing
pest proliferation.[2]
[3] In response to the growing use of pesticides, the Stockholm Convention, an international
treaty aimed at limiting or eliminating persistent organic pollutants (POPs), was
signed in 2001.[4] Aldrin, chlordane, chlordecone, dicofol, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene,
mirex, β-hexachlorocyclohexane, lindane, pentachlorobenzene, toxaphene, and technical
endosulfan and its related isomers have all been listed as POPs that need to be eliminated
from production and use.[5] In addition, DDT and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and its salts, have been identified
as POPs that need to have production and use restrictions.[5] Despite these regulatory measures, the accumulation of residual pesticides still
occurs over time and cannot be ignored. In addition to this, the lack of strict supervision
in many developing countries remains a major challenge.[6] In a recent spatial and temporal analysis of five different sampling zones along
the Ganga River in India, high concentrations of lindane were detected along with
other pesticides such as DDT and endosulfan.[7] It is possible that other developing nations, such as Africa, are experiencing a
similar problem.[4]
In a recent review, Iqbal, Barceló, Parra-Saldívar, and co-workers extensively covered
the different factors related to the toxicological, regulatory, and analytical detection
of pesticides.[6] The indiscriminate use of pesticides has a negative impact on humans, animals, and
the environment. Long-term release of pesticides which can withstand environmental
degradation causes severe damage at various trophic levels. In addition to their detrimental
effects on human health, POPs also negatively impact the soil,[8] rain and groundwater,[9] and various vertebrates.[10] Exposure to pesticides has been related to a number of diseases, such as cancer,
hormone disruption, hypersensitivity, allergies, and asthma.[11]
[12] It has been estimated that 7446 fatalities and 733,921 non-fatal cases of unintentional
acute pesticide poisoning (UAPP) have been reported annually, leading to nearly 740,000
yearly cases.[13] A recent systematic review provided important insights into the current impact of
UAPP on human health. They concluded that there are around 385 million cases of UAPP
per year, with 11,000 fatalities.[13] This suggests that eliminating residual pesticides should be a primary concern and
that the abuse of banned and restricted pesticides, which might still be present in
developing nations, cannot be disregarded.
In light of the scientific data directed towards the actual, anticipated, and perceived
hazards that pesticides represent to the entire biosphere, the significance of a green
simple method for their degradation rises to the level of paramount environmental
importance. Pesticides have been effectively degraded using a variety of techniques
including bioremediation, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, with the use of suitable
catalysts such as nanomaterials, nanocomposites, heterojunctions, and biomaterials.
However, efforts to develop a green, cost-effective, and facile method continue. Amongst
these techniques, bioremediation has emerged as an important method for the degradation
of pesticide residues utilizing microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, and plants to detoxify
or mineralize harmful wastes. The two most widely used microbial-assisted remediation
techniques are bioaugmentation (the addition of microorganisms) and biostimulation
(the supply of nutrients to activate native microbes). However, the degradation process
is hampered by a number of issues, including a dynamic and susceptible environment,
toxicity, bioavailability, monitoring, and the survival of the microbial degraders.[14] Thus, alternative methods still need to be investigated.
The use of biomimetic chemistry, a branch of organic chemistry that studies the ability
of organic compounds to imitate natural biological processes, opens up new opportunities
and perspectives.[15] A simplified flowchart of the biomimetic method used to create bio-inspired systems
is shown in Figure [1].[16] A wide range of issues can be covered by biomimetic chemistry, such as the creation
and study of synthetic enzymes (nanozymes) and the self-assembly of small chemical
compounds in a way akin to that of biological self-assemblies.[17] Researchers have strived to utilize the fundamental concept of biomimetic chemistry
in order to develop materials that can imitate the key features of natural enzymes.
This has, therefore, evolved into the concept of ‘biomimetic catalysts’ which possess
enhanced catalytic properties such as higher stability, selectivity, and activity.
Figure 1 A flowchart showing the steps involved in biomimetic design and assessment
Table [1] is a brief list of some of the biomimetic catalysts that have been synthesized in
recent years. Bioinspired catalysts can replace conventional catalysts in processes
that degrade harmful organic pollutants including dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceutical
waste through a more environmentally friendly route.
Table 1 Lists of Biomimetic Catalysts Incorporated in Pesticide Degradation
|
Biomimetic Catalysts
|
Biomimic technique
|
Synthesis
|
Pesticide
|
Ref
|
|
MOF (CA-Cu)
|
catecholase- and laccase-like activity
|
solvothermal method
|
phenolic pesticides
|
[18]
|
|
Fe1@CN-20
|
laccase-like activity
|
calcination of aniline-modified zeolitic imidazolate frameworks
|
phenolic pesticides
|
[19]
|
|
Ti3C2 MXene/MIL-100(Fe) hybrid
|
biomimetic oxygen transportation
|
Fe-protoporphyrin bridging
|
thiacloprid
|
[20]
|
|
imidazole-Cu nanozyme
|
laccase- and catecholase-like activity
|
water-induced precipitation of imidazole and Cu+2
|
2,4-dichlorophenol
|
[21]
|
|
hemin-Bi4Ti3O12 (HBTO) nanocomposite
|
enzyme mimetics
|
solvothermal method
|
tetracycline hydrochloride
|
[22]
|
A large section of our economy is dependent on the agriculture sector which requires
continuous pest management to obtain high yields. In response to this high demand
and supply chain of agriculture-based products, it is quite impossible to ban the
use of pesticides globally. Thus, efforts have been made to eliminate pesticide residues
through many conventional and new techniques over recent years to resolve this problem.[23]
[24]
[25] However, given the need for sustainable development, a green way to degrade pesticide
residual should be prioritized. In this context, this short review provides insights
into the recent materials that have surfaced as important biomimetic catalysts for
pesticide degradation. Additionally, it discusses the ability of various materials
including metal oxides, carbon-based materials, metal-organic frameworks, and other
biomimetic catalysts that have been developed based on a biomimetic approach. To the
best of our knowledge, this review is the first of its kind to assemble these data.
It is hoped that this concise study will help in cultivating a better perspective,
thereby encouraging researchers to explore and venture into this exciting field of
research.
2
Biomimetic Catalysts
2.1
Metal Oxides
Figure 2 Scheme involved in the biomimetic synthesis of Ag-ZnO nanocomposites by using fennel
seed extracts as natural reducing agent. Reprinted with permission from ref 26. Copyright
2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have emerged as important catalysts owing to their
unique properties that lead to potential application in the field of green and renewable
energy. In addition to this, MONPs have captured the interest of researchers due to
their outstanding photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of various organic
pollutants such as dyes and pesticides. A green approach that has replaced the synthesis
of these MONPs using toxic chemical precursors is the widely accepted biomimetic method.
Choudhary, Sharma, and co-workers demonstrated one such green, cost-effective, and
facile biomimetic preparation of Ag-ZnO heterojunctions through a precipitating agent
known as fennel seed extract (FSE), obtained from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) (Figure [2]).[26] The FSE consists of polyphenolic compounds that act as natural precipitating and
reducing agents, thereby triggering the formation of the Ag-ZnO heterojunction. It
should be emphasized that the fennel seeds used to make the Ag-ZnO heterojunctions
are also economical, easily accessible, safe, and environmentally benign. Figure [3] depicts the possible mechanism in this process.[26] The FSE largely comprise of active ortho-dihydroxy aromatic compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and chlorogenic acid, and flavinoids,
such as apigenin. The ortho-dihydroxy aromatic compounds have antioxidant properties, as a result of which they
donate electrons to Ag+, reducing it to Ag0, which is adsorbed onto the ZnO nanostructures. Such a green strategy holds great
significance in the formation of binary/ternary heterosystems with an additional advantage
of developing easy carrier charge-transfer through the interface via the generation
of strong Schottky junctions. These biogenically synthesized nanocomposites were capable
of efficient degradation of the widely used pesticide chlorpyrifos, and the dye rhodamine
B. Photocatalytic degradation was successfully observed with an excellent efficiency
of 98% in 18 min and 90% in 40 min for rhodamine B and chlorpyrifos, respectively.[26]
Chlorpyrifos is still frequently employed in developing nations, such India and China,
despite its use being banned in many developed nations.[27] Less than 0.1% of the chlorpyrifos utilized as a pesticide successfully reaches
the intended target.[28] When biological and abiotic factors work synergistically, the breakdown of chlorpyrifos
results in the accumulation of 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (TCP). TCP inhibits the formation
of local microbial colonies and possesses antibacterial capabilities, which limit
the possibility of chlorpyrifos biodegradation.[29] It should be noted that the microbial degradation of chlorpyifos has been successfully
achieved. In a recent review, Chen and co-workers discussed the increased use of bioremediation
for the degradation of chlorpyrifos, demonstrating it as an ecofriendly and economical
strategy with high efficiency.[30] The rationale behind the preference for bioremediation over metal-oxide photocatalysis
is that use of the latter may be limited by secondary contamination caused by metal
leaching. As a result, substitutes such carbon-based nanomaterials or bionanomaterials
have also been considered in the removal of pesticide residues.
Figure 3 Schematic mechanism of synthesis of Ag-ZnO heterojunction using fennel seeds consisting
of polyphenolic compounds
2.2
Metal Organic Frameworks
The utility of materials having high surface area for adsorption of pesticides has
given a boost towards pesticide remediation. Adsorption has surfaced as a green method
owing to its advantages such as low energy consumption, cost-effectiveness, and minimal
operational requirements.[31] When combined with porous materials possessing high surface area and biocompatibility,
this method has excellent potential. Porous metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have generated
considerable developments as efficient adsorbents due to their commendable porosity
which can be further tuned and functionalized for achieving desired adsorption efficiency.[32] In this context, various MOF have been fabricated together with other active components
forming superior composites for pesticide degradation. However, the synthesis of such
MOFs using toxic precursors may produce secondary pollution and hence current research
is concentrating on developing a greener route for their application. For instance,
Carmona, Barea, and co-workers demonstrated a water-based microwave synthesis of [Zr6O4(OH)4(trimesate)2(formate)6 (MOF-808) that was capable of degrading the organophosphorus pesticide methyl paraoxon
by capturing phosphate ions, exhibiting at least three successful cycles. In addition
to this, a noteworthy feature of these MOFs is their ease of recoverability through
bicarbonate treatment followed by regeneration with HCl (Figure [4]).[33]
Figure 4 The P-circular economy: (a) MOF-88 captures phosphate group and simultaneously degrades
methyl paraoxon; (b) phosphate is recovered via bicarbonate treatment; (c) MOF-88
is regenerated by hydrochloric acid treatment. Reprinted with permission from ref
33. Copyright 2022 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
The utilization of biomimetics in MOFs has also been considered in recent years. One
such biomimetic model is laccase which is an enzyme present in plants, bacteria, and
fungi. Laccase enzymes have multiple Cu active sites that result in efficient catalytic
oxidation of various organic and inorganic substrates. These multi-copper oxidoreductases
facilitate one-electron oxidation, subsequently to transfer four electrons to the
catalytic Cu, which is further utilized for the reduction of O2 to two water molecules.[34] Inspired by such enzymes, researchers have come forward with biomimetic models.
In recent work, Huang and co-workers synthesized a novel amorphous MOF (CA-Cu) conjugate
via a simple solvothermal method.[18] This MOF (CA-Cu) demonstrated catecholase- and laccase-type activity. It was observed
that the reaction between cyanuric acid and Cu+2 could mimic the N–Cu coordination between imidazole and Cu+2 (Figure [5]). The workers reported excellent recyclability, stability, and activity, meaning
that such a system has high scope for application in the degradation of phenolic compounds
that may be present in pesticides.[18]
Figure 5 Amorphous MOF (CA-Cu) capable of displaying activities of similar to laccase and
catecholase. Reprinted with permission from ref 18. Copyright 2022 Elsevier B.V. All
rights reserved.
2.3
Carbon-Based Materials
Applications of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) include carbon nanotubes, graphene,
fullerenes, graphene oxide, carbon dots, graphene carbon dots, and carbon nitride.
Many such CNMs have proven to mimic natural enzymes. Such biomimetic models should
have an impact in the area of pesticide degradation due to their excellent stability
under extreme conditions. In addition, being metal-free, they provide a greener alternative
to other catalysts that may produce secondary pollutants.
Bioinspired CNMs have been reported to have environmental and biomedical applications.[35]
[36] These catalysts have been incorporated as effective functionalized electrodes displaying
high catalytic efficiency, cost-effectiveness, excellent stability, chemoselectivity,
and ease of production.[35] Table [2] lists the various enzyme activities that can be mimicked by catalytic CNMs.[36] However, the mechanisms involved in these biomimetic models are not completely understood
due to lack of sufficient studies. Thus, further in-depth theoretical and experimental
investigations must be conducted to develop a better understanding.
Table 2 List of Various Enzyme-like Activities Shown by Different Carbon-Based Nanomaterials
|
Natural enzyme activity
|
Function
|
Carbon-based biomimetic material
|
Ref.
|
|
catalase-like
|
H2O2 decomposition into H2O and O2
|
graphene oxide quantum dot
|
[37]
|
|
oxidase-like
|
produces H2O through redox reaction involving O2 and H2 as electron acceptor and donor, respectively
|
porous carbon hybrid with Co and N doping (Co,N-HPC)
|
[38]
|
|
laccase-like
|
one-electron oxidation
|
Cu-doped carbon dots (Cu-CDs)
|
[39]
|
|
peroxidase-like
|
oxidation of electron donor and simultaneous reduction of hydrogen peroxide
|
carboxyl-modified graphene oxide (GO-COOH)
|
[40]
|
|
superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like
|
catalyzes conversion of free radical oxygen into molecular O2 or H2O2
|
fullerene C60 molecule
|
[41]
|
|
hydrolase-like
|
catalyzes chemical bond cleavage by using water
|
graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes
|
[42]
|
The degradation of pesticides has been successfully carried out by functionalized
CNMs; whereas the application of non-functionalized CNMs has been less studied. For
instance, inspired by the laccase enzyme, Zhang, Lu, and co-workers demonstrated the
application of biomimetic CNM by anchoring Fe single atoms on N-doped carbon (Fe1@CN-20).[19] This laccase mimic is more stable, recyclable, and cost-effective compared to natural
laccase itself. It showed excellent stability over pH ranges between 2–9, high temperatures,
and long storage periods (2 months). The usage of such a biomimic can be fruitful
for the degradation of phenolic compounds present in pesticides.[19] In addition to degradation, various nanocomposites developed with CNMs have also
emerged as excellent sensors for pesticide detection.[43]
[44]
[45]
2.4
MXenes
MXenes are two-dimensional inorganic materials consisting of atomically thin layers
of metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides and have distinct physicochemical characteristics.
They are considered as next-generation two-dimensional materials with applications
in photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, lithium ion batteries, as supercapacitors, and
in biomedicine. In a recent study by Zhao and co-workers, a novel Ti3C2 MXene/MIL-100(Fe) hybrid synthesized via Fe-protoporphyrin bridging was applied to
the degradation of thiacloprid and showed excellent efficiency.[20] A synergistic system developed from the Schottky junction between MXene and MIL-100(Fe)
along with the biomimetic oxygen transportation from Fe-protoporphyrin was largely
responsible for H2O2 generation. As a result of this, successful in situ generation of H2O2 facilitated the photo-Fenton catalytic degradation of thiacloprid. The Ti3C2 MXene/MIL-100(Fe) hybrid showed a 12 times higher H2O2 generation rate and a 24 times higher thiacloprid degradation rate as compared to
MIL-100(Fe). As many as 10 cycles could be carried out and the catalyst showed good
stability along with nearly 80% thiacloprid removal within 120 min.[20] Such a biomimetic approach solves one of the major hurdles in the degradation of
organic contamination; that of external supply of H2O2.
2.5
Other Recent Advances
In addition to biomimetic catalysts, several other materials have also been recognized
to mimic natural processes. For instance, glycerophosphodiester-degrading enzyme GpdQ,
obtained from Enterobacter aerogenes, is a widely known bioremediator for organophosphate pesticide degradation. Mirams
et al. prepared a biomimetic Cd catalyst [Cd2((HP)2B)(OAc)2(OH2)](PF6) {(HP)2B = [2,6-bis([(2-pyridylmethyl)(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]methyl)-4-methylphenol]}, which
demonstrated an ability to mimic the asymmetrical nature of the coordinated metal
ion present in the GpdQ active site.[46] In another work by Huang and co-workers,[21] oxidase-like activity was observed in a novel amorphous imidazole-Cu nanozyme (I-Cu)
synthesized by water-induced precipitation of imidazole and Cu+2. This biomimic catalyst displayed high catecholase- and laccase-like activity by
mimicking the N–Cu coordinated center in their active sites. A possible catalytic
mechanism involves initial substrate binding and oxidation which is followed by oxygen
binding and oxygen reduction. An efficiency of 98% after 10 h for degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol
was reported (Figure [6]). In addition to its application in bioremediation, this I-Cu nanozyme was also
able to detect dopamine with detection limit of 0.412 μM.[21]
Figure 6 Laccase- and catecholase-like activity shown by the biomimetic novel imidazole-Cu
nanozyme showing excellent oxidation efficiency for environmental phenolic pollutants
and dopamine detection. Reprinted with permission from ref 21. Copyright 2022 Elsevier
B.V. All rights reserved.
In nature, porphyrins are highly attractive chemical compounds that are found as the
active center in proteins responsible for the transportation of oxygen, oxidation
of substrates, and electron transport.[47] Therefore, metalloporphyrins have been recognized as important synthetic biomimetic
systems. In a recent review, Martins and co-workers[47] carried out an in-depth literature study on the various synthetic porphyrins capable
of degrading pesticides including carbamates,[48] organophosphorus[49] and organochlorine compounds,[50] triazine derivatives,[51]
[52] and others.[53,54] However, major challenges which continue to persist in this field are difficulties
in reproduction of in-vivo porphyrin structures, toxicity of reagents, cost-effectiveness, and rational design
in functionalization of materials for pesticide degradation.[47]
Currently, most biomimetic models strive to develop catalysts capable of mimicking
a natural process that can be further used for degradation of pesticides. However,
in the future, biomimetic approaches may transcend into direct full-scale implementation
for pest management instead of pesticide degradation. Essentially, this approach will
provide a green alternative to pesticides themselves. Pombi and co-workers have eloquently
discussed the possibility of using biopolymers through a proposed innovative approach
termed ‘biomimetic lure-and-kill’. This new attractive model allows biopolymers selectively
to lure desired pests by replicating specific environmental conditions, which is then
followed by killing them through mechanical action or secretion of a natural biopesticide.[55] Such innovative environmentally benign biomimetic approaches could be cost-effective
and would certainly help in improving on conventional methods currently used for pest
management.
3
Challenges
As discussed in the preceding sections, numerous biomimetic catalysts have emerged
as possible candidates for pesticide degradation. However, it should be stressed that
imitating natural enzymes is not an easy task. While retaining a green sustainable
method, developing such biomimetic catalysts may be a difficult and drawn-out procedure.
The challenges that must be overcome to understand biomimetic catalysis better are
outlined in this section:
(a) The lack of knowledge regarding the precise mechanism underlying in the development
of biomimetic catalysts, as well as their properties and interactions with pesticides,
is currently a major impediment to future developments.
(b) More than one type of enzymatic activity can be present in the materials used
to create biomimetic catalysts. For instance, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and
peroxidase-like catalytic activities can be observed in Au nanoparticles.[56] This suggests that the presence of numerous enzymes simultaneously can affect the
expected catalytic activity. To avoid such reduced catalytic activity, proposed biomimetic
catalysts must be thoroughly assessed.
(c) The reduced catalytic activity of some biomimetic catalysts compared to their
natural enzyme analogues is frequently attributed to the lower substrate binding affinities
of biomimetic catalysts and may be overcome through surface functionalization.[57]
(d) For any future industrial full-scale implementation, synthesis must be cost-effective
and simple. Even though several biomimetic catalysts have been developed through affordable
pathways, their synthesis is still more complex when compared to conventional catalysts
that are used for pesticide degradation.
4
Conclusions
Chemists have made great progress in the last few decades in the design and synthesis
of biomimetic catalysts, which successfully mimic valuable enzymatic properties that
aid in effective catalysis. These mimics have been employed to catalyze a wide range
of organic processes. However, the application of biomimetic catalysts in pesticide
degradation has been only incompletely explored. Inspired by natural enzymes, such
as laccase and catecholase, attempts to design biomimetic metal and metal oxide nanomaterials
have been resulted in materials able to degrade phenolic and other organic contaminants.
In addition, carbon-based materials, metal-organic frameworks, and biopolymers have
been found to exhibit strong catalytic activity towards the breakdown of pesticides,
hence minimizing the potential formation of secondary pollutants. These biomimetic
catalysts exhibit higher stability as compared to their respective analogous natural
enzymes. Furthermore, application of biomimetics can be extended into detection of
pesticides and development of green alternatives for pest management. However, only
a handful of such biomimetic catalysts for pesticide degradation have been developed.
Being a sustainable, green, and cost-effective method, innovations of bioinspired
catalysts have a high scope and potential as future research.