Development of New Synthesis Methods of Proteins/Enzymes-Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Hybrid Composite Materials for Biomedical Applications

This three-year Ph.D. research project is the result of the collaboration among the research group of Prof. Guido Ennas from University of Cagliari (Italy), expert in innovative and green synthesis approaches of micro- and nanomaterials, including mechanochemistry and sonochemistry, and the research group of Dr. Sarah Hudson from University of Limerick (Ireland), expert in biocatalysts and drug-delivery systems. The research focuses on the development of innovative synthesis routes for the preparation of proteins/enzymes – Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) hybrid composite materials for biomedical applications. In particular, alternative sonochemical and mechanochemical methods have been explored for the one-pot synthesis of glucose oxidase – iron(III) trimesate composites under eco- and bio-compatible conditions. Conventional harsh synthesis conditions have been overcome in order to minimise enzyme denaturation and activity loss, while retaining structural and textural features of the MOF. Beside their biocompatibility and low cost, one of the advantages of using iron(III) trimesate materials to immobilise biomolecules is their peroxidase-mimic behaviour. Indeed, such MOFs do not act as passive supports for the immobilisation of glucose oxidase, but also perform as enzyme-mimics, avoiding the immobilisation of additional peroxidase enzymes. Hybrid glucose oxidase – iron(III) trimesate composites prepared via mechanochemical and sonochemical approaches under mild conditions were applied as sensitive biosensors for glucose colorimetric detection.