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Crystal Surface Reactivity of Esterase@Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Biocomposites
Emilio Borrego-Marin1, Marta E López-Viseras1, Javier D Martín-Romera1
1Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidad de Granada, Av. Fuentenueva, S/N, 18071 Granada, Spain.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|January 2, 2026
Summary
Biomineralization creates enzyme-ZIF biocomposites with enhanced activity and biocompatibility. These materials can detoxify nerve agent simulants and reactivate inhibited enzymes, offering potential for organophosphorus poisoning treatment.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are porous materials with tunable properties.
- Enzymes are susceptible to denaturation in harsh environments.
- Biomineralization offers a method to encapsulate and stabilize enzymes within inorganic matrices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize esterase-ZIF biocomposites using biomineralization.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of esterase and ZIF frameworks on reactivity and biocompatibility.
- To evaluate the potential of these biocomposites in nerve agent simulant decontamination and enzyme reactivation.
Main Methods:
- Biomineralization of pig liver esterase with ZIF precursors (ZIF-8, ZIF-L, ZIF-C).
- Assessment of hydrolytic decontamination of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DIFP).
- Measurement of esterase activity via indoxyl acetate hydrolysis.
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays using human neuroblastoma cell lines.
Main Results:
- Esterase@ZIF biocomposites exhibited enhanced hydrolytic activity due to synergistic interplay between enzyme and ZIF.
- P-F bond hydrolysis led to ZIF crystal degradation, releasing imidazole moieties.
- Released imidazole moieties promoted acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivation, reversing organophosphorus poisoning.
- Esterase@ZIF showed improved biocompatibility compared to pristine ZIF materials.
Conclusions:
- Biomineralization can protect enzymes and modulate ZIF crystal surface reactivity and biocompatibility.
- Esterase@ZIF biocomposites demonstrate potential for detoxification and therapeutic applications.
- This approach offers a novel strategy for enzyme stabilization and functionalization.
