Antibacterial Activity Against Escherichia coli of Cu-BTC (MOF-199) Metal-Organic Framework Immobilized onto Cellulosic Fibers

A strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli of Cu-BTC metal-organic frameworks immobilized over cellulosic fibers is hereby reported. The in situ synthesis of Cu-BTC metal-organic frameworks, aka MOF-199 or HKUST-1, onto cellulosic substrates was carried out by exposing carboxymethylated cellulosic substrates to Cu(OAC)(2), 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid and triethylamine solutions following a very specific order. Using an in vitro model, in accordance to ASTM E2149-13a, we observed that the cellulose-MOF system was able to completely eliminate the growth of E. coli on agar plates and liquid cultures. The antibacterial activity of the comprising components of MOF-199 and the cellulosic substrate was also evaluated and determined to be negligible. Since the method used to synthesize MOF-199 crystals provides a strong bond between the crystals and the cellulosic substrates, the crystals not detach from the anionic cellulosic fibers allowing the modified textile to be washed and reused hence opening a new avenue to fabricate antibacterial clinical fabrics. (C) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.