Direct Synthesis of High‐Valence Protein@UiO‐66 Composites: Linking Crystallization Pathways to Protein Encapsulation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The direct synthesis of high‐valence metal–organic frameworks (HV‐MOFs) under biocompatible conditions remains an outstanding challenge due to the strong Lewis acidity and sluggish coordination kinetics of their metal centers. Here, we report a mild, aqueous synthesis of UiO‐66—a benchmark Zr 4 + ‐based framework—using the conventional benzene dicarboxylic acid (H 2 BDC) linker. The approach enables the formation of highly crystalline protein@UiO‐66 composites while preserving biomolecule integrity and activity. In situ SAXS and cryoEM reveal that protein incorporation modulates prenucleation and growth dynamics, providing mechanistic insight into how the Lewis acidity of Zr 4 + governs framework assembly and biomolecule confinement. This work establishes a direct, biocompatible route to UiO‐66 and elucidates fundamental principles underlying MOF–biomolecule co‐assembly in highly Lewis‐acidic systems, advancing the design of robust biointegrated hybrid materials.

Source: Advanced Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adma.202521603

Authors: Jesús Cases Díaz, Jana Glatz, Elisa Merced Olivas, Ramon Pons, Joseph P. Patterson, Mónica Giménez‐Marqués

Institutions: Universitat de València, University of California, Irvine, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia

Language: English

Topic: Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis and Applications

Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $6,070

Funders: National Science Foundation, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, UC Irvine Materials Research Institute, European Commission, Generalitat Valenciana, University of California, Irvine, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Division of Materials Research, NextGenerationEU

OpenAlex ID: W7142431454