Recent advances and potential applications for metal-organic framework (MOFs) and MOFs-derived materials: characterizations and antimicrobial activities

Microbial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens, pose a critical global health threat. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), porous crystalline structures built from metal ions and organic linkers, initially developed for gas adsorption, have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics. This review, covering research up to 2023, explores the potential of MOFs and MOF-based materials as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites. It delves into the historical context of antimicrobial agents, recent advancements in MOF research, and the diverse synthesis techniques employed for their production. Furthermore, the review comprehensively analyzes the mechanisms of action by which MOFs combat various microbial threats. By highlighting the vast potential of MOFs, their diverse synthesis methods, and their effectiveness against various pathogens, this study underscores their potential as a novel solution to the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.