Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit exceptional optical and electromagnetic (EM) properties that are, however, confined to their near–field region, limiting effective interactions with non-adsorbed species. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), renowned for their high surface area and tunable pores, provide an ideal complement through surface enrichment and subsequent molecular enrichment within their pores. The integration of plasmonic NPs with MOFs into nanohybrids overcomes this spatial constraint. This architectural synergy creates a synergistic effect, yielding properties superior to either component alone. This review summarizes recent advances in NP–MOF nanohybrids, with a focus on synthesis strategies for diverse architectures and their emergent functionalities. We highlight how this synergistic effect enables breakthrough applications in chemical sensing, cancer therapy, and catalysis. Finally, we conclude our discussion and present a critical outlook that explores the challenges and future opportunities in the design and applications of NP–MOF nanohybrids.

The rapid and timely evaluation of the mental health of emergency rescuers can effectively improve the quality of emergency rescues. However, biosensors for mental health evaluation are now facing challenges, such as the rapid and portable detection of multiple mental biomarkers. In this study, a non-invasive, flexible, wearable electrochemical biosensor was constructed based on the self-assembly of nanomagnetic beads for the rapid detection of cortisol in interstitial fluid (ISF) to assess the mental stress of emergency rescuers. Based on a one-step reduction, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were functionally modified on a screen-printed electrode to improve the detection of electrochemical properties. Afterwards, nanocomposites of MXene and multi-wall carbon nanotubes were coated onto the AuNPs layer through a physical deposition to enhance the electron transfer rate. The carboxylated nanomagnetic beads immobilized with a cortisol antibody were treated as sensing elements for the specific recognition of the mental stress marker, cortisol. With the rapid attraction of magnets to nanomagnetic beads, the sensing element can be rapidly replaced on the electrode uniformly, which can lead to extreme improvements in detection efficiency. The detected linear response to cortisol was 0–32 ng/mL. With the integrated reverse iontophoresis technique on a flexible printed circuit board, the ISF can be extracted non-invasively for wearable cortisol detection. The stimulating current was set to be under 1 mA for the extraction, which was within the safe and acceptable range for human bodies. Therefore, based on the positive correlation between cortisol concentration and mental stress, the mental stress of emergency rescuers can be evaluated, which will provide feedback on the psychological statuses of rescuers and effectively improve rescuer safety and rescue efficiency.

At emergency sites, bacteria in the environment can cause secondary wound infections. Timely treatment of infected wounds can improve the prognosis. In this study, we designed a closed-loop system for real-time wound infection monitoring and electronically controlled drug release, enabling rapid and stable deployment at disaster sites. Multilayer screen-printed electrodes were developed to detect uric acid (UA), pH, and temperature biomarkers. The electrode’s outermost layer was shielded by a zwitterionic conductive hydrogel (Gel) to prevent environmental interference and achieve systematic antibacterial protection through in situ reduction of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on its surface. For rapid and efficient drug delivery, amikacin (Ami) loaded cationic liposomes (Lipo) embedded in the zwitterionic conductive hydrogel (Gel-Lipo@Ami) were integrated as the core therapeutic carrier. This closed-loop system provides timely infection detection and enables in situ treatment during emergency rescues.