Silver carboxylate metal–organic frameworks with highly antibacterial activity and biocompatibility

Abstract

Two novel Ag-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) [Ag2(O-IPA)(H2O)·(H3O)] (1) and [Ag5(PYDC)2(OH)] (2) were synthesized under the hydrothermal conditions using aromatic–carboxylic acids containing hydroxyl and pyridyl groups as ligands (HO-H2IPA=5-hydroxyisophthalic acid and H2PYDC=pyridine-3, 5-dicarboxylic acid). Single crystal X-ray diffraction indicated that two compounds exhibit three-dimensional frameworks constructed from different rod-shaped molecular building blocks. Both compounds favor slow release of Ag+ ions leading to excellent and long-term antimicrobial activities towards Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Their antibacterial potency was evaluated by using a minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) benchmark and an inhibition zone testing. High-resolution transmission electron microscope images indicate that the Ag-based MOFs could rupture the bacterial membrane resulting in cell death. Hematological study showed that these MOFs exhibit good biocompatibility in mice. In addition, good thermal stability and optical stability under UV–visible and visible light are beneficial for their antibacterial application.