Metal-organic framework incorporated fungal mycelium membrane for synergistic mycotoxin degradation via adsorption, oxidation, and photocatalysis

Nanozymes have gained significant attention in the degradation of environmental pollutants due to their low cost and reusability. Peroxidase nanozymes, widely studied for pollutant degradation, are limited in the food industry due to hydrogen peroxide's potential damage to nutritional components. To address this, we designed a metal-organic framework material, Zirconium-Metalloporphyrin (PCN-222(Mn)), which integrates adsorption, enzyme catalysis, and photocatalysis activities. This system offers high specific surface areas for contaminant accumulation, superior laccase-like activities that eliminate the need for H₂O₂, and enhanced visible-light absorption due to metalloporphyrin incorporation, effectively addressing multiple challenges in mycotoxin degradation. It achieved a groundbreaking degradation efficiency of 18 mg/g within just 60 min. Furthermore, due to the challenge of recovering MOF powders, we incorporated PCN-222(Mn) into fungal mycelium to create a safe, biodegradable composite film for ochratoxin degradation in edible oil. This approach not only enhances the stability and recyclability of the MOF material but also makes it more suitable for use in food systems.