Post by Sara Talebi Deylamani

I'm happy to share our latest publication from my PhD project in Green Chemistry!🎉 In this work, we demonstrate an aqueous synthesis strategy for controlling the polymorph and morphology of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) using 1-methylimidazole as a coordination modulator. By tuning the ratio of 1-methylimidazole and 2-methylimidazole, we were able to direct the phase selection from the 2D leaf-like ZIF-L structure to the 3D ZIF-8 framework, all in water and without the large excess of ligands typically required for ZIF-8 synthesis. Beyond polymorph selection, we explored how these controlled morphologies influence enzyme entrapment. Using Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) as a model enzyme, we found that a mixture of ZIF phases provided the highest enzymatic activity, highlighting the importance of morphology engineering for biocatalytic applications. This work contributes to the development of more biocompatible MOF synthesis approaches while providing new insights into structure–function relationships in enzyme@MOF composites.   I am especially grateful to my supervisor Prof. Joerg R. Jinschek, for his guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this project. I am also very thankful to Dr. Zsófia Bognár, Dr. Giuseppe Di Palma, and Prof. Stig Helveg for their valuable contributions, insightful discussions, and collaboration. The opportunity to learn from and work alongside all of you has had a lasting impact on my development as a researcher! 👩‍🔬   A special thanks to Emma Eja P. and Dr. Romy L. Ettlinger from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) for their collaboration, valuable support, and warm welcome during my research stay at TUM.   "Aqueous Polymorph and Morphology Control in ZIFs via 1-Methylimidazole for Efficient Lipase Entrapment" Authors: Sara Talebi Deylamani, Giuseppe Di Palma, Zsófia Bognár, E. Eja Petersen, Romy Ettlinger, Stig Helveg, and Joerg R. Jinschek DOI: https://lnkd.in/ehzCwbtG #GreenChemistry #MOFs #ZIF #Biocatalysis #EnzymeImmobilization #MaterialsScience #ResearchPublication