Scalable fabrication of biohybrid magnetic MOF-based micromotors for toxin enrichment

Abstract

Contemporary industrial production and human activity release numerous toxins into our environment. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are potential candidates for addressing these toxins due to their ultrahigh surface area, tailored pore size, and responsiveness to stimuli. With the rise of micro/nanomotor, imparting active motion to MOFs becomes crucial for efficiently performing tasks in challenging locations. However, creating individual active MOF entities is challenging during preparation, and they may perform tasks inefficiently, even if constructed. It is essential to explore active MOF-based micromotors without compromising their loading capacity, particularly with the rising use of low-surface-area nanoparticles. Leveraging the diverse structures and forms found in nature, this study proposes a universal synthesis strategy for a series of biohybrid magnetic MOF-based micromotors (BMMM), enabling rapid and efficient enrichment of toxins within narrow or small cavities under magnetic actuation. The resultant BMMM show high surface area, abundant pores, and improved magnetic responsiveness. These characteristics allow them to demonstrate exceptionally improved efficiency for various toxins: up to 1118.66 mg/g, which is further demonstrated in narrow microtubes, with over 90% efficiency after several cycling uses. This study not only provides a universal strategy for constructing BMMM but also offers an efficient solution for toxin treatment in out-of-reach cavities.