Missouri team uses water‑based MOFs to protect enzymes
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- University of Missouri researchers created metal‑organic frameworks (MOFs) that act as protective exoskeletons for enzymes, enabling them to operate in harsh industrial conditions.
- Metal‑organic frameworks are built from metal atoms linked by organic molecules, forming porous, customizable structures that can be tailored for different enzymes.
- Water served as an eco‑friendly liquid‑assisted grinding agent (ecoLAGent) to expand the MOF library, replacing toxic chemicals in the enzyme encapsulation process.
- Gary Baker likened the MOF to a “shark cage” protecting enzymes, comparing enzymes to deep‑sea divers vulnerable to their surroundings.
- Zhongyu Yang said the method can be applied to many enzymes and applications, aiming to bridge biology and industry while reducing waste and boosting efficiency.
- ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces published the study titled “Water as an Eco‑friendly Liquid‑Assisted Grinding Agent (ecoLAGent) to Expand the Metal–Organic Framework ‘Library’ for Green Enzyme Encapsulation” in 2025.
- Mizzou's team is scaling up production and testing the approach with a broader range of enzymes to make enzyme‑driven green chemistry practical on an industrial scale.
Why it matters: The approach gives manufacturers in pharma, fuel, and food sectors a way to reuse enzymes longer, cutting waste and lowering costs, while reducing reliance on toxic chemicals in enzyme preparation. It also opens pathways for scaling green chemistry, reshaping industrial catalyst use.
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