Tri-Responsive Multifunctional Metal-Organic Framework (MuF-MOF) Nanozyme-Based Sensors

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered significant attention as advanced platforms for sensor technologies due to their high surface area, structural tunability, and chemical versatility. The development of multifunctional MOFs with tri-responsive behavior has opened new avenues for designing highly sensitive and selective sensors capable of simultaneously responding to multiple external stimuli. Incorporating nanozyme characteristics into MOFs further enhances their catalytic activity and broadens their applicability across various sensing modes. This review systematically introduces triresponsive multifunctional MOF (MuF-MOF) nanozyme-based systems that utilize redox and Lewies capable metal clusters such as Ag, V, Bi, Cu, Fe, Co, Zn, Zr, Bi, Ni and Ce engineered for nanozymatic reactions with electrochemical (e.g., hydroquinone, catechol, Fe(CN)64-/3-), fluorogenic (e.g., Amplex red, luminol) and chromogenic (e.g., 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine, o-Phenylenediamine, 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) agents in electrochemical, chemiluminescent, fluorometric and colorimetric sensors. Key aspects discussed include synthetic strategies, functionalization approaches, the design of reactive catalytic centers, kinetic behaviors, and mechanistic insights into the responsiveness and catalytic performance of MuF-MOFs. Applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and food safety are highlighted, along with a critical analysis of current challenges such as stability, reproducibility, and practical implementation. Finally, future perspectives for the rational design and integration of MuF-MOF nanozyme-based sensors into real-world applications are presented.