Mission
Our mission is to provide a free, user-friendly tool for the analysis of ZIF-based biocomposites prepared from Zn(II) and 2-methylimidazole.
Our ZIF Phase Analysis app provides with a straightforward tool for the identification of the crystal phase, including the amorphous one, in ZIF-based biocomposites. The crystalline phases that can be identified are sodalite, diamondoid, ZIF-CO3-1, ZIF-EC-1, U12 and ZIF-L (last updated on 28.03.2022).
We aim at the global progress in the field of MOF biocomposites.
Scientific background
Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) are a subclass of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). Those typically used for the preparation of biocomposites consist of Zn(II) nodes and 2-methylimidazole linkers.
These ZIFs can form different crystal phases (e.g. sodalite, diamondoid, ZIF-CO3-1, ZIF-EC-1, U12 and ZIF-L) or a combination thereof.
Different ZIF crystal phases have different functional properties. (https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC05433B , https://doi.org/10.1039/C8MH01611A)
ZIFs can be integrated with biomacromolecules via an additive-free, nature-inspired process referred to as biomimetic mineralization. (https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01029 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2020.213651)
Biomacromolecule@ZIF biocomposites are shown to have unprecedented properties for biocatalysis (https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01029) and biotherapeutics (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2020.213651 ). Examples of applications include the encapsulation, the protection and the delivery of enzymes and biotherapeutics.