Topology-controlled Pt atomic sites enhance electron utilization efficiency for NAD+ regeneration and alcohol detoxification.

Acute alcohol intoxication causes severe damage to the liver, nervous system and metabolic processes while inducing inflammatory responses. Current therapeutic strategies targeting ethanol metabolism through alcohol or aldehyde dehydrogenase activation face critical limitations of NADH accumulation and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Herein, by introducing a topology-controlled Pt atomic site into Co3O4 lattices, the geometric structure diversification of Pt was achieved for alcohol detoxification by coenzyme regeneration. In comparison with octahedral PtOhCo/O and pure Co3O4, PtTdCo/O (atomic Pt sites within tetrahedral topology) exhibits 3.59- and 3.83-fold higher NOX-like activity, and preferentially catalyzes 4e⁻ oxygen reduction, improving electron utilization while minimizing ROS production. Mechanistic studies indicate that the introduction of PtTd sites improves substrate adsorption, enhances electron utilization efficiency and lowers the energy of reactions, thereby promoting alcohol degradation and reducing the release of ROS. This work on topological structure engineering offers new insights into designing high-performance biocatalysts for biological applications.