Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Research Articles

Defect-engineered C,N-ZnO/Co3O4/CoFe2O4/Fe3O4 for ultra-fast tetracycline degradation and environmental impact assessment using an in silico mathematical model

A significant breakthrough has been achieved in the ultra-fast degradation of toxic contaminants in wastewater. Novel C, N co-doped ZnO/Co3O4/CoFe2O4/Fe3O4 quaternary oxide was engineered using a tri-metallic zeolitic imidazolate framework (Zn/Co/Fe-ZIF). The synthesized material degraded 85% tetracycline (TC) within just 15 s of visible light illumination (and achieved a total degradation of 90.9% in 6 min). The catalyst's remarkable performance was ascribed to the synergistic effect of dual S-scheme heterojunctions at the oxide's interface and the light-independent activation of H2O2 by the multivalent cationic sites (Co3+/Co2+ and Fe3+/Fe2+) on the catalyst. These two mechanisms not only reduced the TC degradation time to just a few seconds, but also unlocked the degradation potential of the catalyst in the absence of light (70% TC degradation was achieved under ambient dark conditions). XPS studies showed that the ZIF-mediated synthesis introduced double or triple oxygen vacancy sites and N substitutional defects, which enhanced the catalyst’s efficiency by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species on its surface. VB-XPS and UPS analysis were performed to correctly elucidate the charge transfer mechanism in the heterostructure. The results of EPR and LC–MS studies established that the synthesized heterostructure is capable of generating abundant reactive oxygen species which are responsible for the fragmentation of TC molecules within a short period of time. Furthermore, the toxicity profile of the generated degradation products was also assessed via an in silico approach. Interestingly, despite such a short degradation timeframe, the generated degradation products had lower toxicity than TC.

Tailoring molecular diffusion in core‐shell zeolite imidazolate framework composites realizes efficient kinetic separation of xylene isomers

The separation of xylene isomers is a critical and energy‐intensive process in the petrochemical industry, primarily due to their closely similar molecular structures and boiling points. In this work, we report the synthesis and application of a novel core‐shell zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) composite, ZIF‐65@ZIF‐67, designed to significantly enhance the kinetic separation of xylene isomers through a synergistic "shell‐gated diffusion and core‐facilitated transport" strategy. The external ZIF‐67 shell selectively restricts the diffusion of larger isomers (MX and OX), while the internal ZIF‐65 core accelerates the diffusion of PX, thereby amplifying the diffusion differences among the isomers. This architecture yields remarkable improvements in both selectivity and diffusion rates, as demonstrated by vapor‐phase adsorption studies and molecular dynamics simulations. The ZIF‐65@ZIF‐67 composite exhibits up to 12.5 times higher PX/OX selectivity in liquid‐phase adsorption and 3.4 times higher dynamic selectivity in fixed‐column breakthrough experiments compared to the individual ZIF components. Theoretical simulations further corroborate the heterogeneous diffusion control mechanism, revealing the time‐dependent diffusion regulation within the core‐shell architecture. This work underscores the great potential of core‐shell MOF composites in optimizing molecular sieving processes for industrially significant separations and highlights a new route for enhancing kinetic separation efficiency in complex multicomponent systems.

Tailoring molecular diffusion in core-shell zeolite imidazolate framework composites realizes efficient kinetic separation of xylene isomers.

The separation of xylene isomers is a critical and energy-intensive process in the petrochemical industry, primarily due to their closely similar molecular structures and boiling points. In this work, we report the synthesis and application of a novel core-shell zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) composite, ZIF-65@ZIF-67, designed to significantly enhance the kinetic separation of xylene isomers through a synergistic "shell-gated diffusion and core-facilitated transport" strategy. The external ZIF-67 shell selectively restricts the diffusion of larger isomers (MX and OX), while the internal ZIF-65 core accelerates the diffusion of PX, thereby amplifying the diffusion differences among the isomers. This architecture yields remarkable improvements in both selectivity and diffusion rates, as demonstrated by vapor-phase adsorption studies and molecular dynamics simulations. The ZIF-65@ZIF-67 composite exhibits up to 12.5 times higher PX/OX selectivity in liquid-phase adsorption and 3.4 times higher dynamic selectivity in fixed-column breakthrough experiments compared to the individual ZIF components. Theoretical simulations further corroborate the heterogeneous diffusion control mechanism, revealing the time-dependent diffusion regulation within the core-shell architecture. This work underscores the great potential of core-shell MOF composites in optimizing molecular sieving processes for industrially significant separations and highlights a new route for enhancing kinetic separation efficiency in complex multicomponent systems.

B Doped Zn Single‐Atom Nanozyme With Enhanced Oxidase‐Like Activity Combined CRISPR/Cas13a System for RNA Sensing

AbstractSingle‐atom nanozyme (SAZ) with peroxidase‐like activity has attracted great attention in point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic, but the use of unstable H2O2 in peroxidase catalytic reactions often leads to low detection accuracy. Thus, developing SAZ with high oxidase (OD)‐like activity to construct RNA sensing systems independent of H2O2 is imperative for improving accuracy. Herein, a novel strategy to fabricate boron‐nitrogen co‐doped zinc SAZ (ZnBNC‐SAZ) with excellent OD‐like activity by carbonizing Zn based zeolitic boron imidazolate frameworks is reported. The electron deficient B in imidazolate ligand can form Zn─N─B bond in situ during high temperature pyrolysis, which can regulate the electronic structure of Zn and further upshift the d‐band center of Zn to improve the OD‐like activity. With ZnBNC‐SAZ as signal generator, a new method for sensitive RNA detection is developed by combining CRISPR/ cas13 system with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐induced DNA extension reaction. The limits of detection for RNAs are as low as 20 aM. The proposed biosensor is adaptable to a lateral‐flow‐based readout and is universally applicable for sensing various RNAs by programming the guide RNA. Importantly, the proposed biosensor can monitor the cellular differentiation and identify patients with cervical carcinoma, showing great potential for application in facile POC diagnosis.

Electrochemical sensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes and two-dimensional zeolitic imidazolate framework nanosheets: Application in determining dacarbazine

Background and Purpose: Cancer is a serious public health concern, hence the determination of dacarbazine as a significant chemotherapeutic agent is very important. Experimental Approach: In the present work, we describe using a facile method to synthesize a nanocomposite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and two-dimensional zeolitic imidazolate framework nanosheets (2D ZIF-L NSs). The resulting MWCNTs/2D ZIF-L NSs nanocomposite was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The MWCNTs/2D ZIF-L NSs nanocomposite was subsequently used to modify a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) to achieve an electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of dacarbazine. Conclusion: This detection method can be used as a valuable tool in the analysis of pharmaceutical formulations to bring benefits in the cancer treatment.

Biomimetic MOF nanoplatform for dual-targeted co-delivery of FAK inhibitor and bismuth to enhance cervical cancer radiosensitivity

Radiation therapy (RT) remains the primary treatment modality for advanced cervical cancer, however, recurrence due to radioresistance presents a significant challenge. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are key contributors to this resistance, driven by their inherent radioresistance and radiation-induced phenotypic adaptations. Addressing this issue requires strategies specifically designed to target CAFs and enhance their radiosensitivity. In this study, we developed a biomimetic metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoplatform for the dual-targeted co-delivery of the FAK inhibitor IN10018 and Bismuth (Bi), aimed at improving radiosensitivity in cervical cancer. The IN10018 and Bi-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles (IZB) were further coated with hybrid membranes derived from CAFs and cancer cells, enabling precise targeting of both cell types. Upon exposure to an acidic environment, the nanoparticles disassemble, releasing IN10018, which reduces CAFs infiltration and enhances radiosensitivity. Simultaneously, the incorporation of Bi enhances radiation absorption efficiency, further sensitizing tumor cells to radiotherapy. This dual-target strategy represents a promising approach to overcoming radioresistance in cervical cancer and exemplifies how integrating nanotechnology with targeted therapies can enhance RT efficacy and improve patient outcomes.Graphic Schematic Illustration of IZB@CCM Construction and Application for Cervical Cancer to Improve Radiosensitivity. (1) IZB was fabricated through the one-pot method. (2) Preparation of hybrid CAF-cancer cell membrane. (3) IZB@CCM were obtained by co-extrusion of IZB and hybrid membrane (CCM). (4) IZB@CCM demonstrated the ability to target CAFs and cancer cells. (5) IZB@CCM inhibited the expression of FAK and released radiosensitizer Bi to enhance the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer.

Photodynamic and photothermal bacteria targeting nanosystems for synergistically combating bacteria and biofilms

The escalating hazards posed by bacterial infections underscore the imperative for pioneering advancements in next-generation antibacterial modalities and treatments. Present therapeutic methodologies are frequently impeded by the constraints of insufficient biofilm infiltration and the absence of precision in pathogen-specific targeting. In this current study, we have used chlorin e6 (Ce6), zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), polydopamine (PDA), and UBI peptide to formulate an innovative nanosystem meticulously engineered to confront bacterial infections and effectually dismantle biofilm architectures through the concerted mechanism of photodynamic therapy (PDT)/photothermal therapy (PTT) therapies, including in-depth research, especially for oral bacteria and oral biofilm. Ce6@ZIF-8-PDA/UBI nanosystem, with effective adhesion and bacteria-targeting, affords a nuanced bacterial targeting strategy and augments penetration depth into oral biofilm matrices. The Ce6@ZIF-8-PDA/UBI nanosystem potentiated bacterial binding and aggregation. Upon exposure to red-light (RL) irradiation, Ce6@ZIF-8-PDA/UBI showed excellent antibacterial effect on S. aureus, E. coli, F. nucleatum, and P. gingivalis and exceptional light-driven antibiofilm activity to P. gingivalis biofilm, which was a result of the efficient bacterial localization mediated by PDA/UBI, as well as the PDT/PTT facilitated by Ce6/PDA interactions. Collectively, these versatile nanoplatforms augur a promising and strategic avenue for controlling infection and biofilm, thereby holding significant potential for future integration into clinical paradigms. The original application of the developed nanosystem in oral biofilms also provides a new strategy for effective oral infection treatment.

Intra-Mesopore Immunoassay Based on Core-Shell Structured Magnetic Hierarchically Porous ZIFs.

It is crucial yet challenging to sensitively quantify low-abundance biomarkers in blood for early screening and diagnosis of various diseases. Herein, an analytical model of intra-mesopore immunoassay (IMIA) was proposed, which was competent to examine various biomarkers at the femtomolar level. The success is rooted in the design of an innovative superparamagnetic core-shell structure with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) at the core and hierarchically porous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks as a shell (Fe3O4@HPZIF-8), achieved through a soft-template directed self-assembly coupled with confinement growth mechanism. Such a unique configuration conceptualized IMIA where the HPZIF-8 shell served as a solid carrier to cover capture antibodies while the Fe3O4 core assisted its rapid separation. The large pore channels not only provided a stable microenvironment to maintain the recognition ability of captured antibodies but also enhanced their coating density, thus promoting the probability of capturing and binding target antigens, significantly improving immunoassay (IA) sensitivity. The practical clinic IA for cTnI (Cardiac Troponin I, biomarker of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)) in human serums was exemplified. The developed IMIA could accurately quantify slight fluctuations in cTnI concentrations in the serums of AMI patients at different stages after symptom onset with more than 100-fold enhancement of limit of detection (LOD) in comparison to conventional plate-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Such high sensitivity of IMIA makes it a powerful tool for the accurate diagnosis of different diseases by altering the type of primary capture antibody.

Polydopamine modified coconut shell biochar decorated with ZIF-8 for improved adsorption of malachite green and rhodamine B from aqueous solution.

Although various biochars from different biomass materials have been developed to remediate dye-contaminated environments, the removal capabilities of pristine biochar for dyes urgently require further enhancement due to insufficient surface adsorption sites. To introduce more adsorption sites, this work proposes a simple approach to fabricate coconut shell biochar (CSB) based adsorbent by anchoring zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) via the active sites provided by polydopamine (PDA)-coated CSB. The nucleation sites provided by the PDA layer promote the dispersion of ZIF-8 on the surface of CSB, resulting in sufficient adsorption sites for removing malachite green (MG) and rhodamine B (RB) from wastewater. The resulting CSB/PDA/ZIF-8 demonstrates a large specific surface area (749.54 m2∙g-1) and outstanding adsorption capacities for MG (1568 mg∙g-1) and RB (1496 mg∙g-1). Furthermore, CSB/PDA/ZIF-8 adsorbents can maintain a satisfactory removal rate for MG (91%) and RB (77%) even after five reuses. The analysis of the adsorption mechanism exhibits that electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, coordination bonds, and π-π stacking are of significance for adsorbing MG and RB. Therefore, CSB/PDA/ZIF-8 is a promising candidate for dye wastewater treatment, while this work provides guidance for the high-quality utilization of biomass materials.

Stepwise Lighting Up Gold(I)-Thiolate Complexes from AIE Nanoaggregates to AIEE Nanoprobes with a ZIF-8 Shell for Glucose Biosensing.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) or aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) has endowed gold species with responsive fluorescent properties, favoring their potential applications in sensing, imaging, and therapy. However, it remains an interesting challenge to fabricate fluorophores with both AIE and AIEE effects. Herein, we presented highly luminescent Au(I) thiolate nanocomplex-based biosensors with Zn2+ induced-AIE and zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) induced-AIEE effects. The nonemissive monovalent gold-glutathione complexes (AuI-SGs) were obtained to synthesize the core-shell Zn2+/AuI-SG@ZIF-8 composites with strong luminescence via the coordination-assisted self-assembly strategy. By immobilizing GOx on the surface of Zn2+/AuI-SG@ZIF-8, Zn2+/AuI-SG@ZIF-8/GOx biosensors exhibited effective responsiveness to glucose, showing a "turn-off" detection model. The mechanism study revealed that the robust luminescence of Zn2+/AuI-SG@ZIF-8 to glucose sensing was attributed to the acid-stimulated degradation of the probe facilitated by H+ generated from the glucose oxidase (GOx)-catalyzed oxidation process. To achieve noninvasive and intelligent blood glucose detection, the Zn2+/AuI-SG@ZIF-8/GOx-loaded microneedle (MN)-patch fluorescent platform was further developed. The MN-patch-based sensing platform had promising performance for on-needle capture and in situ glucose detection. This study demonstrated a universal and feasible protocol to construct luminescent biosensors for glucose detection and their potential for the development of MN-based analytical devices.

Combining Hard Shell with Soft Core to Enhance Enzyme Activity and Resist External Disturbances.

Immobilizing enzymes onto solid supports having enhanced catalytic activity and resistance to harsh external conditions is considered as a promising and critical method of broadening enzymatic applications in biosensing, biocatalysis, and biomedical devices; however, it is considerably hampered by limited strategies. Here, a core-shell strategy involving a soft-core hexahistidine metal assembly (HmA) is innovatively developed and characterized with encapsulated enzymes (catalase (CAT), horseradish peroxidase, glucose oxidase (GOx), and cascade enzymes (CAT+GOx)) and hard porous shells (zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF), ZIF-8,ZIF-67, ZIF-90, calcium carbonate, and hydroxyapatite). The enzyme-friendly environment provided by the embedded HmA proves beneficial for enhanced catalytic activity, which is particularly effective in preserving fragile enzymes that will have been deactivated without the HmA core during the mineralization of porous shells. The enzyme encapsulated within a core-shell particle exhibits noteworthy resilience against harsh external conditions, including heat, organic solvents, and proteinase K. Additionally, no significant alteration in the catalytic behavior of the enzyme is observed after multiple cycles of usage. This study offers a novel approach for immobilizing enzymes and rendering them resistant to harsh external conditions, with potential applications in diverse fields, including biocatalysis, bioremediation, and biomedical engineering.

Photosensitizable ZIF-8 BioMOF for Stimuli-Responsive Antimicrobial Phototherapy.

Resistant pathogens are increasingly posing a heightened risk to healthcare systems, leading to a growing concern due to the lack of effective antimicrobial treatments. This has prompted the adoption of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), which eradicates microorganisms by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the utilization of a photosensitizer, photons, and molecular oxygen. However, a challenge arises from the inherent characteristics of photosensitizers, including photobleaching, aggregation, and self-quenching. Consequently, a strategy has been devised to adsorb or bind photosensitizers to diverse carriers to facilitate their delivery. Notably, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a promising means of transporting photosensitizers, even though achieving uniform particle sizes through room-temperature synthesis remains a complex task. In this work, we have tackled the issue of heterogeneous particle size distribution in MOFs, achieving a particle size of 150 ± 50 nm. Subsequently, we harnessed Zeolite Imidazolate Framework 8 (ZIF-8), an excellent subclass of biocompatible MOF, to effectively load two distinct categories of photosensitizers, namely, Rose Bengal (RB) and porphyrin, using a simple, straightforward, and single-step process. Our findings indicate that the prepared RB@ZIF-8 complex generates a more substantial amount of reactive singlet oxygen species when subjected to photoirradiation (using green light-emitting diode (LED)) at low concentrations, in comparison with porphyrin@ZIF-8, as demonstrated in in vitro experiments. Additionally, we investigated the pH-responsive behavior of the complex to ascertain its implications under biological conditions. Correspondingly, the RB@ZIF-8 complex exhibited a more favorable IC50 value against Escherichia coli compared to bare photosensitizers, ZIF-8 alone, and other photosensitizer-loaded ZIF-8 complexes. This underscores the potential of BioMOF as a promising strategy for combatting multidrug-resistant bacteria across a spectrum of infection scenarios, complemented by its responsiveness to stimuli.

Degradation of Tetracyclines in Water by Activating Peroxymonosulfate with Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework 67 Derivatives

Degradation of Tetracyclines in Water by Activating Peroxymonosulfate with Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework 67 Derivatives

Metal-organic frameworks encapsulating gold nanoclusters and carbon dots for ratiometric fluorescent detection of formaldehyde in real food samples, construction materials and indoor environments.

Anovel fluorescence sensing nanoplatform (CDs/AuNCs@ZIF-8) encapsulating carbon dots (CDs) and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) within a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was developed for ratiometric detection of formaldehyde (FA) in the medium of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH·HCl). The nanoplatform exhibited pink fluorescence due to the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect of AuNCs and the internal filtration effect (IFE) between AuNCs and CDs. Upon reaction between NH2OH·HCl and FA, a Schiff base formed via aldehyde-diamine condensation, releasing hydrochloric acid. The acid triggered the degradation of ZIF-8, releasing CDs and AuNCs, and thereby shifting the fluorescence to blue as the CDs disperse. The nanoplatform demonstrated high sensitivity (LOD of 0.26-2.19 μM), exceptional selectivity, and rapid response time (<1 min) toward FA. Additionally, test strips and hydrogel films integrated with smartphones were prepared for on-site and visual detection of FA. The portable and smartphone-assisted test strips effectively detected indoor FA gas, while wearable and intelligent hydrogel films provided reliable surface measurements of FA on fruits and vegetables. Real sample analyses achieved satisfactory FA recoveries (99.06-115.30%) with relative standard deviations (RSD) from 1.86% to 3.81%. The innovative sensing nanoplatform served as a promising approach for FA detection in food, construction materials, and indoor air quality, offering both analytical accuracy and convenient visualization.

Controlled Synthesis of Biochar with Flower-like Morphology for CO2 Adsorption: Enrichment and Efficient Accessibility of N-Containing Sites.

The N-doped biochar is recognized as a promising, cost-effective, and efficient material for CO2 adsorption. However, achieving efficient enrichment of N-containing adsorption sites and improving their accessibility remains a bottleneck problem that restricts the adsorption performance of N-doped biochar. Herein, a synthesis strategy for nitrogen-doped biochar by one-pot ionothermal treatment of biomass and zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) precursors accompanied by pyrolysis is demonstrated. Through ion thermal ZIF modification, biochar exhibits a controllable flower-like morphology with effective enrichment of nitrogen elements (nitrogen retention rates ranging from 62% to 88%). After pyrolysis, this regular morphology is retained, and a developed hierarchical pore structure is formed. Compared with pristine biochar and ZIF-derived carbon, ZIF-modified biochar has superior CO2 adsorption capacity (up to 3.5 mmol/g) and excellent CO2/N2 adsorption selectivity (up to 38.6). The CO2 adsorption capacities of ZIF-modified biochars have a good linear relationship with both bulk and surface N content, with correlative coefficients of around 0.998 and 0.950, respectively. This positional indifference reflects the effective accessibility of N-containing sites, which can be attributed to the ordered flower-like morphology and hierarchical pore structure of ZIF-modified biochar. The DFT results confirmed the importance of the number and accessibility of such N-containing sites for CO2 adsorption.

Integrating Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 with DES-Treated Loofah Sponge for Enhanced Toluene Adsorption.

The pervasive presence of toluene in aquatic environments, primarily due to oil spills and industrial effluents, necessitates the development of effective and sustainable remediation strategies. This study introduces ZIF-8@DES-treated loofah sponge (ZIF-8@DLS), a novel adsorbent composite material, synthesized via an in situ process that integrates the high surface area of ZIF-8 with the natural loofah sponge. The composite was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming the successful loading of ZIF-8 onto the loofah substrate. The adsorption capacity of ZIF-8@DLS for toluene was evaluated, achieving a maximum of 145.3 mg/g with an efficiency of 72% under standard conditions. Kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process predominantly followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicative of chemisorption. The adsorption isotherm data were found to align more closely with the Freundlich model, suggesting a multilayer adsorption mechanism on the composite's heterogeneous surface. The ZIF-8@DLS composite demonstrates a promising synergy of high adsorption performance, cost-effectiveness, facile synthesis, and environmental benignity, positioning it as a candidate for practical applications in wastewater treatment and adsorptive separation processes.

Mesoporous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Support from ZIF-8 for Pt Catalysts in Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) has been extensively studied as a precursor for nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) materials due to its high surface area, tunable porosity, and adjustable nitrogen content. However, the intrinsic microporous structure of the ZIF-8 limits mass transport and accessibility of reactants to active sites, reducing its effectiveness in electrochemical applications. In this study, a soft templating approach using a triblock copolymer was used to prepare mesoporous ZIF-8-derived NC (Meso-ZIF-NC) samples. The hierarchical porous structure was investigated by varying the ratios of Pluronic F-127, NaClO4, and toluene. The resulting Meso-ZIF-NC exhibited widespread pore size distribution with an enhanced mesopore (2-50 nm) volume according to the composition of the reaction mixtures. Pt nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the Meso-ZIF-NC to form Pt/Meso-ZIF-NC catalysts, which presented a high electrochemical surface area and improved oxygen reduction reaction activity. The study highlights the important role of mesopore structure and nitrogen doping in enhancing catalytic performance, providing a pathway for advanced fuel cell catalyst design.

MOF-derived intelligent arenobufagin nanocomposites with glucose metabolism inhibition for enhanced bioenergetic therapy and integrated photothermal-chemodynamic-chemotherapy

Bioenergetic therapy based on tumor glucose metabolism is emerging as a promising therapeutic modality. To overcome the poor bioavailability and toxicity of arenobufagin (ArBu), a MOF-derived intelligent nanosystem, ZIAMH, was designed to facilitate energy deprivation by simultaneous interventions of glycolysis, OXPHOS and TCA cycle. Herein, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 was loaded with ArBu and indocyanine green, encapsulated within metal–phenolic networks for chemodynamic therapy and hyaluronic acid modification for tumor targeting. ZIAMH nanoparticles can release ArBu in the tumor microenvironment for chemtherapy, and ICG enables photothermal therapy under near-infrared laser irradiation. In vitro and in vivo mechanism studies revealed that the ZIAMH nanoplatform downregulated glucose metabolism related genes, resulting in the reduction of energy substances and metabolites in tumors. Additionally, it significantly promoted cell apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bax/Bcl-2, cytochrome C. Animal studies have shown that the tumor inhibition efficiency of ZIAMH nanomedicines was three fold higher than that of free drugs. Therefore, this study provides a new strategy for glucose metabolism-mediated bioenergetic therapy and PTT/CDT/CT combined therapy for tumors.Graphical

Hierarchical Selenium-Doped Nickel-Cobalt Hybrids on Carbon Paper for the Overall Water-Splitting Electrocatalytic System.

Designing and constructing hierarchically structured materials with heterogeneous compositions is the key to developing an effective catalyst for overall water-splitting applications. Herein, we report the fabrication of hollow-structured selenium-doped nickel-cobalt hybrids on carbon paper as a self-supported electrode (denoted as Se-Ni|Co/CP, where Ni|Co hybrids consist of nickel-cobalt alloy-incorporated nickel-cobalt oxide). The procedure involves direct growth of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) on bimetal-based nickel-cobalt hydroxide (NiCoOH) electrodeposited on CP, followed by selenous etching and pyrolysis to obtain the final Se-Ni|Co/CP electrocatalytic system. The optimized Se-Ni|Co/CP [Se-Ni1|Co9/CP(0.3)] exhibits remarkable performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), displaying a current density of 10 mA cm-2 at small overpotentials of 105 mV for HER and 235 mV for OER. Furthermore, it allows an alkali electrolyzer to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm-2 at a cell voltage of only 1.51 V. The outstanding catalytic activity of Se-Ni|Co/CP is ascribed to the high intrinsic activity of the bimetallic catalyst, efficient interfaces, and charge transport facilitated by the heterogeneous component, the hollow structure inherited from the metal-organic frameworks (MOF)-derived material providing ample porosity and active sites, and structural robustness achieved through self-supported construction.

ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks and their hybrid materials: emerging photocatalysts for energy and environmental applications.

In the face of escalating environmental challenges such as fossil fuel dependence and water pollution, innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. In this regard, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), specifically ZIF-8, act as promising photocatalysts for environmental remediation and renewable energy applications. ZIF-8, a subclass of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), is renowned for its large specific surface area, high porosity, rapid electron transfer ability, abundant functionalities, ease of designing, controllable properties, and remarkable chemical and thermal stability. However, its application as a standalone photocatalyst is limited by issues such as particle aggregation, poor water stability, and insufficient visible light absorption. By integrating ZIF-8 with various photoactive materials to form composite catalysts, these drawbacks can be mitigated, leading to enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. The review discusses the synthesis, properties, and applications of ZIF-8-based photocatalysts in light-driven H2 evolution, H2O2 evolution, CO2 reduction, and dye and drug degradation. It also highlights the challenges and future research directions in developing cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly ZIF-8 composites for industrial applications. The potential of ZIF-8 composites to contribute to sustainable global energy solutions and environmental cleanup is significant, yet further exploration is required to harness their capabilities thoroughly.