Metal–organic framework detectives meet infectious pathogens: A powerful tool against pandemics

Early diagnosis and on-site real-time detection are the key to control infectious diseases caused by pathogens and help guide the accurate implementation of treatment programs. The development of low-cost, rapid and reliable sensing technologies for whole cells, nucleic acids, antigens and antibodies of pathogens is of great significance. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous network materials with diverse structures and adjustable porosity, which have attracted extensive interest in the field of pathogen diagnosis in recent years. The large surface area, ease of modification, and excellent stability make MOFs excellent nanocarriers for bioreceptors and signal transduction elements. In particular, the stable luminescence, electrochemical activity, and high catalytic activity of MOFs promote the advanced design and application of MOFs in biosensors. This review details MOF family members and their associated properties, emphasizing the designs and assembly strategies of biosensors for accurate identification and quantification of pathogens. According to the classification of signal output type, the recent progress of MOFs-based biosensors for pathogen detection in colorimetric, fluorescent, electrochemical and other methods is comprehensively reviewed, and the challenges and opportunities faced by MOFs-based biosensors are discussed.