Phase dependent encapsulation and release profile of ZIF-based biocomposites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) show promise for protecting proteins.
• Biocomposites offer facile synthesis and protein protection capabilities.
• Controlling ZIF phases is key for optimizing biocomposite performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate the synthesis of protein@ZIF biocomposites.
• To construct phase diagrams for ZIF biocomposite synthesis.
• To evaluate the impact of ZIF phases on protein encapsulation and release.

Main Methods:

• Systematic variation of ligand, metal precursor, and protein concentrations.
• Post-synthetic treatments including water and water/ethanol washes.
• Construction of ternary phase diagrams to identify distinct ZIF phases.

Main Results:

• Five distinct ZIF biocomposite phases were identified, including the novel ZIF-CO3-1.
• Protein encapsulation efficiency (bovine serum albumin, insulin) ranged from 75% to 100% and was phase-dependent.
• Complete protein release varied significantly (40–300 minutes) based on the ZIF phase.

Conclusions:

• A detailed compositional map for targeted ZIF biocomposite phase preparation was established.
• A web application for analyzing ZIF material crystalline phases was developed.
• Findings facilitate the advancement of ZIF biocomposites in biomedicine and biotechnology.