Laccase-mimicking active inorganic organic hybrid covalent organic framework filtration membrane for rapid removal of drug pollutants

Designing materials with laccase-mimicking activity are one of the main strategies to overcome harsh operating conditions and expand application modes of natural laccase (Lac). However, achieving their catalytic efficiency ( K cat / K m ) at the level of natural Lac remains challenging. To address these challenges, we designed an inorganic-organic hybrid covalent organic framework (Cu-BSA@COF) with significant laccase-mimicking activity inspired by the concept of “ in situ ” and “restricted coordination”. The combination of organic component (Bovine Serum Albumin, BSA) and inorganic component (Copper) promoted the formation of active centers. XPS confirmed the presence of three valence states of Cu within the material, and BET calculated its specific surface area to be 85.61 m 2 /g. The multivalent copper active centers and high specific surface area provide a basis for laccase-mimicking activity. The synergistic effect of them achieved that the material was essentially identical to natural Lac in terms of substrate affinity ( K m ) and catalytic efficiency. Meanwhile, it also maintained catalytic activity under harsh conditions (temperature, pH, long-term storage, high salt and ethanol concentration). These advantages further promote its integration with membrane technology, thereby achieving the removal of various drug pollutants. The membrane was obtained by the vacuum-assisted process to assemble Cu-BSA@COF onto nylon base film. One constant pressure rapid filtration can remove over 90 % of acetaminophen (APAP), tetracycline (TC), sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), and carbamazepine (CBZ). The wide applicability and effective avoidance of secondary environmental pollution risks provide a new research paradigm for drug pollutants removal.