Metal–Organic Frameworks as Enzyme Mimics

Abstract In this article we are presenting the design of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications as enzyme mimics (artificial enzymes). MOFs have been the topic of current and intense research for various applications ranging from gas storage, catalysis, to sensing. Their biocatalytic activity, however, has been discovered and investigated only recently—literature exists only for the past decade. High stability also at harsh conditions, low cost, and activity that can be tailored are advantages that compete oftentimes lower activity in comparison to the natural enzymes. Among the nanomaterials with enzymatic activity (nanozymes), MOFs are of special potential, since it is possible to mimic not only the active site of an enzyme but also its microenvironment. We firstly introduce MOFs along with synthetic strategies and secondly give an overview of their nanozymatic activity for oxidation and hydrolytic reactions. This activity has found many applications in biosensing and biomedicine, which are presented in the last chapter of this article. Medicinal applications cover cancer and antimicrobial therapy.