Engineering Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Antimicrobial Efficacy: Synthesis Methodologies, Mechanistic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, causing millions of deaths annually.
• Conventional antimicrobials face limitations, necessitating novel solutions.
• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging as advanced third-generation antimicrobial materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the antibacterial mechanisms and structure-function relationships of MOFs.
• To highlight the potential of MOFs as alternatives to conventional antimicrobial agents.
• To discuss MOF applications in healthcare, food preservation, and water disinfection.

Main Methods:

• Review of foundational principles and antibacterial mechanisms of MOFs.
• Analysis of MOF properties like high surface area, tunable porosity, and controlled ion release.
• Focus on structure-function relationships rather than exhaustive synthesis details.

Main Results:

• MOFs exhibit antibacterial activity through sustained metal ion release (Ag+, Cu2+, Zn2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and synergistic effects.
• MOF-based materials demonstrate superior performance compared to conventional antimicrobials.
• Key applications include wound dressings, medical coatings, nanotherapeutics, food preservation, and water disinfection.

Conclusions:

• MOFs present significant promise for revolutionizing antimicrobial therapy and mitigating the AMR crisis.
• Further research is needed to address challenges in clinical translation and understanding complex infections.
• MOFs can shift antimicrobial strategies from passive defense to active ecological regulation.