dc.description.abstract | In recent years, functional bacteria or microorganisms have been studied and used as biosensor to overcome environmental problems. Microorganisms have been armored by biocompatible materials with functionalization to resist harsh environments such as ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures, acid or base and antibiotics, and pushed the application of microorganism into the era of the “cyborg cells”. Comparing Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with common materials like metal nanoparticles, silica or calcium carbonate, the MOFs has regular pore structure, tunable crystal size and high hydrothermal stability. Herein, we based on our previous reported that a de novo approach, i.e., synthesis under water and mild conditions, for encapsulating the Escherichia coli (E. coli) into ZIF-90 single crystals, E. coli@ZIF-90, as protective structure against harsh conditions. Spectral analysis such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicated that the morphology of biocomposites are uniform crystals with particle size of 7−8 μm. Moreover, the confocal microscopy was carried out to confirm that the E. coli were embedded in ZIF-90 crystals which provided shelter for the biocomposites against antibiotics. Consequently, E. coli could readily regain vitality after the removal of MOF protection. In addition, making a comparison between single crystals of E. coli@ZIF-90 and E. coli biocomposites coated by nanoscaled polycrystalline ZIF-90/ZIF-8; however, the survival rate of E. coli was low probably due to the harsh condition for coating by polycrystalline MOFs. Thus, the optimal synthetic condition for enhancing the vitality of E. coli which is protected by polycrystalline ZIF-90/ZIF-8 need to be further studied in the near future. | en_US |