Zinc-Porphyrin Terephthalate-Based Metal-Organic Framework: Structural Insights and Functional Antibacterial...

Herein, we have synthesized the commonly known protonated 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (compound 1) and a mixed-linker zinc-based metal-organic framework (compound 2) and evaluated their antibacterial photodynamic therapy. The crystal structure of 1 exhibits hydrogen-bonded scaffolds and engages in π-stacking interactions, whereas compound 2 is coordinated through zinc metal nodes to porphyrin and terephthalate ions, forming an interpenetrated 3D framework with a mog topology. In 2, we observed a high theoretical surface area of 2915 m² g^-1 calculated using a N₂ apparatus. Molecular orbital calculations confirm that the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals are mainly localized on the porphyrin core, with the terephthalate linker acting as an electronic spacer. Finally, 2 exhibits an enhanced reactive oxygen species production and superior antibacterial activity compared to 1 under irradiation with red light. These performances clearly resulted in inhibition zones of 28±1 mm (MRSA) and 21±1 mm (Escherichia coli) and strong binding properties to the proteins. These findings demonstrate that 2 functions as a robust, light-activated antibacterial platform and provide a rational route for next-generation antibacterial agents.