Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): A novel platform for laccase immobilization and application

The practical applications of enzymes are usually hampered by their fragile nature, poor reusability, and high costs. Enzyme immobilization has been considered to be a powerful solution to these problems. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging class of porous materials that have unique features such as high surface area, tunable porosity, diverse architectures, and relatively high stability. These properties make them an ideal platform for enzyme immobilization. Laccases are versatile oxidases capable of oxidizing various organic compounds due to their broad substrate specificity. Integration of laccases with MOFs enables the generation of novel laccase-MOFs biocomposites with improved stability and activity as well as excellent recyclability. In recent years, a large number of laccase-MOFs biocomposites have been synthesized for promising applications in bioremediation, biosensing, and organic synthesis. This review summarizes recent advances in general strategies for preparing laccase-MOFs biocomposites, such as physical adsorption, covalent attachment and in situ encapsulation. It further discusses the catalytic performance of laccase-MOFs biohybrids including stability, reusability and catalytic activity. Then the potential applications of MOFs-immobilized laccases are introduced with special emphasis on biodegradation of numerous environmental pollutants. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects for the development and application of laccase-MOFs biocatalysts are also discussed. • Metal-organic frameworks are novel supports for laccase immobilization. • Synthesis of laccase-MOF biocomposites and their performance are summarized. • Potential applications of MOF-immobilized laccases are introduced.