Antioxidative Composites Based on Multienzyme Systems Encapsulated in Metal-Organic Frameworks

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Ultraviolet radiation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative stress.
• Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) are crucial antioxidants but are protein-based and fragile.
• Precise enzyme ratios are needed to manage hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop stable enzyme-metal-organic framework (MOF) composites for enhanced antioxidant activity.
• To improve the stability and delivery of antioxidant enzymes in cosmetic and biomedical applications.
• To protect human cells from oxidative stress using enzyme-MOF nanocomposites.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) within ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to create SC@ZIF-8.
• In vitro assessment of antioxidative activity and enzyme stability.
• Evaluation of pH-dependent enzyme release and cellular protection against paraquat-induced oxidative stress.

Main Results:

• SC@ZIF-8 demonstrated excellent in vitro antioxidative activity.
• MOF encapsulation provided long-term stability to enzymes under challenging conditions.
• pH-dependent release facilitated cytoplasmic enzyme delivery for ROS scavenging.
• The nanocomposites successfully protected human cells from oxidative damage.

Conclusions:

• Enzyme-MOF composites offer a promising strategy for stabilizing and delivering antioxidant enzymes.
• SC@ZIF-8 exhibits potential for use in cosmetic and dermatological applications requiring robust antioxidant protection.
• This approach addresses the limitations of fragile antioxidant enzymes in practical formulations.