Encapsulation of live cells by metal-organic frameworks for viability protection

Abstract

In this study, a yeast@ZIF-8 core–shell composite material was successfully synthesized under room temperature in aqueous solution. The ZIF-8 shell endowed the inner yeast cells with a considerably extended lifetime without any nutrients at 4°C. Compared with the bare yeast cells, most coated yeast cells were kept alive even when cultured in zymolyase solution for 3 h. Furthermore, the encapsulated yeast cells could be reactivated and regrown by dissolving the ZIF-8 shell with competitive coordination interactions.