Magnetically Responsive Enzyme and Hydrogen-bonded Organic Framework Biocomposites for Biosensing

We report the one-pot synthesis of multicomponent hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) biocomposites. The coimmoblization of enzymes and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into the HOF crystals yielded biocatalysts (MNPs-enzyme@BioHOF-1) with dynamic localization properties. Using a permanent magnet, it is possible to separate the MNPs-enzyme@BioHOF-1 particles from a solution. Catalase (CAT) and glucose oxidase (GOx) showed an increased retention of their activity when coimmobilized with MNPs. MNPs-GOx@BioHOF-1 biocomposites were used to prepare a proof-of-concept glucose microfluidic biosensor, where a magnet allowed to position and keep in place the biocomposite inside a microfluidic chip. The magnetic response of these biocatalysts can pave the way to new applications for the emerging HOF biocomposites.