Antibacterial Activity of Two Zn-MOFs Containing a Tricarboxylate Linker

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be used as reservoirs of metal ions with relevant antibacterial effects. Here, two novel Zn-based MOFs with the formulas [Zn-4(mu(4)-O)(mu-FA)L-2] (GR-MOF-8) and [Zn-4(mu(4)-O)L-2(H2O)] (GR-MOF-9) (H3L: 5-((4-carboxyphenyl)ethynyl) in isophthalic acid and FA (formate anion) were solvothermally synthetized and fully characterized. The antibacterial activity of GR-MOF-8 and 9 was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Escherichia Coli (EC) by the agar diffusion method. Both bacteria are among the most relevant human and animal pathogens, causing a wide variety of infections, and are often related with the development of antimicrobial resistances. While both Zn-based materials exhibited antibacterial activity against both strains, GR-MOF-8 showed the highest inhibitory action, likely due to a more progressive Zn release under the tested experimental conditions. This is particularly evidenced in the inhibition of SA, with an increasing effect of GR-MOF-8 with time, which is of great significance to ensure the disappearance of the microorganism.

Automated summary

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can serve as reservoirs for metal ions with antibacterial effects. Two novel Zn-based MOFs, GR-MOF-8 and GR-MOF-9, were synthesized and characterized. Both materials exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia Coli, with GR-MOF-8 showing the highest inhibitory action.