Nucleic acid enzymes (NAzymes) are nucleic acid molecules with catalytic activity. A subset, the RNA-cleaving NAzyme, is characterized by its substrate of choice: an RNA unit. These enzymes have been used for diverse applications, including biosensor development, akin to their protein counterparts. Owing to their function as both biorecognition elements and signal generators, robust bioassays based entirely on NAzyme molecules have been developed. Additionally, unique mechanisms for integration with other biorecognition elements and signal generation methods have been explored to realize ultrasensitive, specific, and user-friendly biosensors. Furthermore, NAzyme-based bioassays have already broken into the in vitro diagnostics market, with more promise in the pipeline.

核酸酶（NAzymes）是具有催化活性的核酸分子。一个子集，即 RNA 切割 NAzyme，其特征在于其选择的底物：一个 RNA 单位。这些酶已被用于多种应用，包括生物传感器开发，类似于它们的蛋白质对应物。由于它们作为生物识别元件和信号发生器的功能，已经开发了完全基于 NAzyme 分子的强大生物测定。此外，还探索了与其他生物识别元件和信号生成方法集成的独特机制，以实现超灵敏、特异性和用户友好的生物传感器。此外，基于 NAzyme 的生物测定已经打入体外诊断市场，在管道中有更多的希望。