All-in-one POM-based nanoreactor with oxidase-like activity for versatile detection and antibacterial action

The accurate determination of disease markers is essential for the early diagnosis and treatment, especially of tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma. However, it is still a great challenge for rapid and quantitative analysis of disease markers, not to mention multivariate testing. Herein, a synergistic multifunctional nanoreactor constructed by phosphotungstate (PW₁₂) and metal-organic framework (MOF) integrating with Au nanoparticles (PW₁₂@ZIF-67-Au) was developed as a colorimetric and electrochemical dual-mode probe for sensing dopamine (DA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), respectively. The incorporation of MOFs provides a nanoconfined microenvironment and effectively modulated active sites of POMs, synergistically catalyzed the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), initiated oxidase mimics activity, and achieved colorimetric and electrochemical sensing, besides antibacterial performance. The detection of AFP was effectuated in the linear range of 0.01 to 100 ng/mL with the limit of detection (LOD) of 7.65 pg/mL, and DA detection in the range of 0.3 to 20 μM with LOD of 183 nM. Notably, significant recoveries can be attained from serum samples exhibited comparable accuracy with clinical assays (ELISA). This work not only provides guidelines for establishing multifunctional nanoreactors serving for biosensing and early diagnosis, but also paves the way for developing a versatile promising strategy for promoting human health.