Metal–organic framework-engineered enzyme/nanozyme composites: Preparation, functionality, and sensing mechanisms

The utility of non-homogeneous nanomaterials for the immobilization of enzymes has been demonstrated to enhance their catalytic performance. Alongside this, the advent of artificial nanozymes, carrying an intrinsic enzyme-like activity, has sparked widespread interest due to their potential as an alternative to natural enzymes, even earning a position among the top 10 emerging technologies in chemistry by the IUPAC in 2022. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), boasting unique qualities, have shown significant promise in the fields of catalysis and sensing applications. These unique properties make them a suitable candidate for the immobilization or modification of enzymes and nanozymes. In this review, we focus on MOF-enzyme/nanozyme composites and their applications in sensing. Our review summarizes the different immobilization strategies, highlights the functional roles of MOFs in the construction of MOF-enzyme/nanozyme composites, and provides a thorough and unique dissection of the sensing mechanisms in the detection of a variety of targets. We also discuss how to improve the catalytic activity and stability of MOF-enzyme/nanozyme composites and their sensing application prospects in clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and food safety.