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Peroxidase mimics of nanoscale materials as alternatives to natural peroxidases have found widespread uses in biomedicine. Among various types of peroxidase mimics, platinum-group metal (PGM) nanocrystals have drawn considerable attention in recent years due to their superior properties. Particularly, PGM nanocrystals display high catalytic efficiencies, allow for facile surface modifications, and possess excellent stabilities. This feature article summarizes our recent work on development of PGM nanocrystals as peroxidase mimics and exploration of their applications in in vitro diagnostics. We begin with a brief introduction to controlled synthesis of PGM nanocrystals in solution phase. We then elaborate on a variety of physicochemical parameters that can be carefully tuned to optimize the peroxidase-like properties of PGM nanocrystals. Then, we highlight the applications of PGM nanocrystals in different in vitro diagnostic platforms. We conclude this article with personal perspectives on future research directions in this emerging field, where challenges and opportunities are remarked. 

Abstract Noble‐metal nanostructures have emerged as a category of efficient and versatile peroxidase mimics in recent years. Enhancing their peroxidase‐like activities is essential to the realization of certain applications. In this review, we focus on how to engineer noble‐metal nanostructures with enhanced peroxidase‐like activities. The article is organized by introducing the impacts of surface capping ligands, particle size, shape, elemental composition, and internal structure as key parameters for the peroxidase‐like activity of noble‐metal nanostructures. Emphasis is given to the controlled synthesis of nanostructures and their peroxidase‐like catalytic efficiencies. At the end, we provide a perspective on future developments in the research relevant to peroxidase mimics of noble metals.