Recent advances and synergistic effect of bioactive zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) for biosensing applications

The rapid developments in the field of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) in recent years have created unparalleled opportunities for the development of unique bioactive ZIFs for a range of biosensor applications. Integrating bioactive molecules such as DNA, aptamers, and antibodies into ZIFs to create bioactive ZIF composites has attracted great interest. Bioactive ZIF composites have been developed that combine the multiple functions of bioactive molecules with the superior chemical and physical properties of ZIFs. This review thoroughly summarizes the ZIFs as well as the novel strategies for incorporating bioactive molecules into ZIFs. They are used in many different applications, especially in biosensors. Finally, biosensor applications of bioactive ZIFs were investigated in optical (fluorescence and colorimetric) and electrochemical (amperometric, conductometric, and impedance) fields. The surface of ZIFs makes it easier to immobilize bioactive molecules like DNA, enzymes, or antibodies, which in turn enables the construction of cutting-edge, futuristic biosensors.