Versatile laccase-mimicking enzyme for dye decolorization and tetracyclines identification upon a colorimetric array...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, necessitating effective detection methods for pharmaceuticals like tetracycline antibiotics (TCs).
• Current methods for TCs detection are often complex and lack the ability for simultaneous identification of mixed samples.
• Nanozymes offer promising catalytic and sensing properties for environmental applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a laccase-mimicking nanozyme, MnO2/Cu-BDC-His, for the identification of tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) and degradation of dyes.
• To develop a colorimetric array sensor for simultaneous detection and quantification of mixed TCs.
• To evaluate the nanozyme's efficacy in environmental matrices and for dye decolorization.

Main Methods:

• Facile synthesis of MnO2/Cu-BDC-His nanozymes.
• Utilizing the nanozymes' catalytic activity to generate colored oxidation products from TCs.
• Establishing a colorimetric array sensor based on distinct absorbance peaks (350 nm, 525 nm, 600 nm) for TCs identification.
• Testing the sensor's performance for simultaneous detection and quantification of mixed TCs in the range of 5-200 µM.
• Assessing the nanozymes' capability for colored dye degradation.

Main Results:

• The MnO2/Cu-BDC-His nanozymes successfully recognized phenolic hydroxyl groups in TCs, producing characteristic colored products.
• A colorimetric array sensor was established, enabling simultaneous identification and quantification of mixed TCs with cross-color responses.
• The sensor achieved identification and quantification of mixed TCs within the 5-200 µM range.
• The nanozymes demonstrated effectiveness in decolorizing colored dyes.
• The study provides a foundation for applying these nanozymes in lake and soil water monitoring.

Conclusions:

• MnO2/Cu-BDC-His nanozymes serve as effective laccase mimics for TCs identification and dye degradation.
• The developed colorimetric array sensor offers a novel approach for simultaneous multi-analyte detection, overcoming limitations of traditional methods.
• These nanozymes show significant potential for practical applications in environmental monitoring and water quality assessment.