Copper-Based Metal–Organic Framework Nanoparticles with Peroxidase-Like Activity for Sensitive Colorimetric Detection of Staphylococcus aureus

Cu-MOF nanoparticles with an average diameter of 550 nm were synthesized from 2-aminoterephthalic acid and Cu(NO3)2 by a mixed solvothermal method. The Cu-MOF nanoparticles can show peroxidase-like activity that can catalyze 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine to produce a yellow chromogenic reaction in the presence of H2O2. The presence of abundant amine groups on the surfaces of Cu-MOF nanoparticles enables facile modification of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) aptamer on Cu-MOF nanoparticles. By combining Cu-MOF-catalyzed chromogenic reaction with aptamer recognition and magnetic separation, a simple, sensitive, and selective colorimetric method for the detection of S. aureus was developed.