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Advanced enzyme-assembled hydrogels for the remediation of contaminated water

Author

Listed:
  • Jinlong Zhang

    (Peking University)

  • Jason C. White

    (The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station)

  • Gregory V. Lowry

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

  • Jinglei He

    (Peking University)

  • Xuefeng Yu

    (Peking University)

  • Chuanhao Yan

    (Peking University)

  • Liang Dong

    (Peking University)

  • Shu Tao

    (Peking University)

  • Xilong Wang

    (Peking University)

Abstract

Enzyme-catalyzed biodegradation is an emerging green strategy for environmental remediation, although challenged by high cost and poor robustness. Herein, natural biopolymer (cellulose)-derived hydrogels concurrently doped with β-cyclodextrin and montmorillonite nanosheets that are synthesized in one-step demonstrate exceptional pollutant affinity and mechanical strength. Laccase is then stably and effectively assembled onto the hydrogels by a facile strategy based on charge-assisted H-bonding, which can be extended to other enzymes. The advanced laccase-assembled hydrogels display excellent stability and increased degradation activity achieved by strong substrate capture and rapid electron transfer. The laccase-assembled hydrogels exhibit significantly improved removal (62-fold) and degradation (52-fold) performance compared to free laccase for diverse organic pollutants (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in real wastewater. This enhanced performance is maintained despite the presence of heavy metals, other organic chemicals or dissolved organic matter. This work provides a practical strategy for designing an advanced and sustainable biodegradation tool for environmental remediation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinlong Zhang & Jason C. White & Gregory V. Lowry & Jinglei He & Xuefeng Yu & Chuanhao Yan & Liang Dong & Shu Tao & Xilong Wang, 2025. "Advanced enzyme-assembled hydrogels for the remediation of contaminated water," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58338-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58338-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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