Mechanochemical synthesis of enzyme@covalent organic network nanobiohybrids

Nanobiohybrids (NBHs) that integrate biomolecules or living organisms with synthetic nanomaterials provide new opportunities to intensify the functionality of biological systems, of which the facile and versatile preparation methods are particularly pursued. Herein, we demonstrate a mechanochemical strategy to in situ embed enzymes, a kind of ubiquitous biomacromolecules, into covalent organic networks (CONs). Specifically, TpBD-CON is prepared through a solid-state grinding process, in which glucose oxidase (GOx) is in situ embedded during the preparation process. The structure evolution of enzyme@CON NBHs is monitored by SEM, TEM and PXRD. The catalytic activity of the embedded enzymes is well preserved due to the rapid and solvent-free synthesis process. The enzyme@CON NBHs exhibit strong resistance to a series of harsh external parameters, including extreme pH values, elevated temperatures, chaotropic agents, organic solvents, etc., which is attributed to the excellent chemical stability and molecule confinement effect of TpBD-CON. Moreover, the enzyme@CON NBHs exert excellent recyclability. The mechanochemistry-enabled in situ embedding strategy affords a promising way to synthesize NBHs, and exerts considerable prospects for industrial applications. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.