Microcystin-LR detection and removal using MOF-based functional materials

Harmful algae blooms in fresh water lake caused by Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) are of growing environmental concern. M. aeruginosa can release microcystin-LR (MC-LR) that exerts a serious threat to human health and safety, necessitating advanced solutions for both MC-LR monitoring and elimination. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), as emerging environmental functional materials, have demonstrated exceptional potential as multifunctional platforms for MC-LR management. Their large specific surface area, high porosity, and abundant active sites are favorable for MC-LR adsorption. Meanwhile, the semiconductor-like behavior endows MOFs with high performances for efficient photocatalytic MC-LR degradation. Since there has been an increasing number of studies on MC-LR prevention, recent progress in MOF-based materials for MC-LR detection and removal was reviewed, which highlighted the pivotal roles of MOFs in MC-LR sensors and the design principles of MOF-based adsorbents/photocatalysts for MC-LR removal. Finally, the limitations, challenges and perspectives of MOF-based materials for MC-LR prevention were elucidated, aiming to provide essential reference values for future research.