Engineering a Metal-Organic Framework-Dominated Bioinspired Multienzymatic Sensor Array for Portable Detection of...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biosensing

Background:

• Accurate identification of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is crucial for environmental regulation and public health.
• Existing analytical methods face challenges in differentiating structurally similar PFASs.
• There is a need for sensitive and selective methods for PFAS detection in complex matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel multienzymatic activity sensor array for discriminating a wide range of PFASs.
• To engineer a cerium-based metal-organic framework (Ce-MOF) with tailored enzyme-mimicking activities.
• To establish a robust and accurate method for PFAS identification in real-world samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a Ce-MOF with oxidase, laccase, and superoxide dismutase activities.
• Utilizing PFAS-modulated enzyme-mimicking activities to generate distinct signal outputs.
• Applying machine learning algorithms for classification and identification of PFASs.
• Testing the sensor array in complex matrices like seawater, shrimp, and codfish.
• Development of a portable hydrogel-based kit for onsite detection.

Main Results:

• The Ce-MOF sensor array successfully discriminated nine different PFASs with 100% prediction accuracy.
• The sensor demonstrated reliable detection across various concentrations and in mixtures.
• Accurate performance was validated in real-world environmental and food samples.
• Density functional theory calculations supported the mechanism of PFAS-enzyme activity modulation.
• A portable kit for onsite PFAS differentiation was successfully developed.

Conclusions:

• The study presents the first demonstration of PFAS-regulated multienzymatic activity in Ce-MOF.
• The developed sensor array offers a cost-effective and practical strategy for PFAS detection.
• This technology has significant implications for environmental monitoring and public health protection.
• The sensor array provides a powerful tool for differentiating PFASs in complex samples.