Hybrid biomimetic assembly enzymes based on ZIF-8 as “intracellular scavenger” mitigating neuronal damage caused by oxidative stress

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was immobilized in zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) through biomimetic mineralization method, namely SOD@ZIF-8, which was then used in the treatment of nerve damage by eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). A series of chemical characterization and enzymatic activity researches revealed that SOD was successfully embedded into ZIF-8 without apparent influence on the antioxidant activity of SOD. Cell level experiments showed that SOD@ZIF-8 could be effectively endocytosed by cells. The activity of SOD@ZIF-8 in scavenging ROS played a critical role in protecting SHSY-5Y cells from MPP(+)-induced cell model and relieving cell apoptosis, indicating that SOD@ZIF-8 could effectively rescue ROS-mediated neurological disorders though removing excessive ROS produced in vitro.