Advanced enzyme-assembled hydrogels for the remediation of contaminated water

Jinlong Zhang, Jason C. White, Gregory V. Lowry, Jinglei He, Xuefeng Yu, Chuanhao Yan, Liang Dong, Shu Tao and Xilong Wang ()
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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

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58338-9

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