Porphyrin-based covalent organic framework as oxidase mimic for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of pesticides

A covalent organic framework–based strategy was designed for label-free colorimetric detection of pesticides. Covalent organic framework–based nanoenzyme with excellent oxidase-like catalytic activity was synthesized. Unlike other artificial enzymes, porphyrin-based covalent organic framework (p-COF) as the oxidase mimic showed highly catalytic chromogenic activity and good affinity toward TMB without the presence of H 2 O 2 , which can be used as substitute for peroxidase mimics and H 2 O 2 system in the colorimetric reaction. Based on the fact that the pesticide-aptamer complex can inhibit the oxidase activity of p-COF and reduced the absorbance at 650 nm in UV–Vis spectrum, a label-free and facile colorimetric detection of pesticides was designed and fabricated. Under the optimized conditions, the COF-based colorimetric probe for pesticide detection displayed high sensitivity and selectivity. Taking fipronil for example the limit of detection was 2.7 ng/mL and the linear range was 5 –500,000 ng/mL. The strategy was successfully applied to the detection of pesticides with good recovery , which was in accordance with that of HPLC–MS/MS. The COF-based colorimetric detection was free of complicated modification H 2 O 2 , which guaranteed the accuracy and reliability of measurements. The COF-based sensing strategy is a potential candidate for the sensitive detection of pesticides of interests. Graphical Abstract