Using
flexible structures and components of metal-organic framework (MOF)
materials, we designed and developed an artificial nanozyme with dual
functions of a catalyst and luminescent sensor specifically for the
determination and degradation of hormone 17β-estradiol (E2)
and its derivatives (E1, E3, and EE2), a class of disruptors with
strong effect on the human endocrine system. This nanozyme composed
of the luminescent Tb3+ ion, catalytic coenzyme factor
hemin, and light-harvesting ligand can be used to both degrade E2
like natural horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and sense E2 as low as 50
pM by its luminescence. The nanozyme catalyzes the decomposition of
E2 and its derivatives through a mechanism of active hydroxyl radicals
and oxidative high-valent iron-oxo intermediates. The prepared nanozyme
is pluripotent, stable, and cheap and can replace the widely used
combination of natural enzyme and chromogenic substrate. The present
strategy of constructing artificial enzymes directly from functional
units provides a new way for the design and development of smart,
multifunctional artificial enzymes.