MOFs and nanozymes in electrochemical environmental (bio)sensing: recent advances and field translation

Electrochemical (bio)sensing is increasingly positioned as a practical complement to laboratory-based analytical methodologies for environmental monitoring, especially where high-frequency, on-site measurements are required. In this context, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and nanozymes have rapidly gained wide interest to reshape the electrode not just as a passive conductor, but as a versatile interface. MOFs’ tunable porosity and high-density adsorption sites can be coupled with enzyme-mimetic catalysis for signal amplification. Given the exponential expansion of the literature on this topic, this review aims to provide a snapshot of the advances published during the last year, 2025, focusing on (bio)sensing for the detection of major contaminant classes, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, antibiotics, and micro-/nanoplastics. Recurrent design logics emerged, such as porous layers that increase local analyte levels at the electrode interface, redox-active frameworks that provide intrinsic transduction, and nanozyme-driven amplification schemes that translate weak binding events or trace-levels concentrations into measurable signals. Moreover, this report highlights how current strategies are being increasingly challenged in environmental-matrix validation to achieve field-ready platforms. • MOFs and nanozymes can be coupled to increase analytical performances • MOFs’ tunable chemistry and porosity enable PFAS and heavy metals preconcentration • Enzyme-mimicking nanozymes provide catalytic amplification for trace analysis • Rapid shift from laboratory proofs to application-centered field-ready sensors