In-growth metal organic framework/synthetic hybrids as antimicrobial fabrics and its toxicity

Bio-active synthetic fabrics based on polyester (PET) and Nylon were manufactured by in-situ formation of Cu-BTC metal organic framework (MOF). In-growth of Cu-BTC within fabrics was accomplished in one pot simple process. The scanning microscope, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectra were all confirmed the formation of Cu-BTC within fabrics structure and reflected the role of fabrics' building unit in the Cu-BTC preparation. The estimated contents of materials onto fabrics were ranged in 97.14-127.33 mg MOF/g fabric and 30.59-40.10 mg Cu/g fabric. After embracing with Cu-BTC, color of fabrics was transformed to greenish-blue. The so-produced Cu-BTC/fabric hybrids were exhibited good biological activities against three different microbial pathogens (E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans). The minimal inhibitory concentrations from the residual Cu-BTC powder were 65-70, 60-64 and 62-67 mg/mL, for S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans pathogens, respectively, which were similar to that reported for commercial Cu-BTC. Moreover, no toxicity was observably detected for the released Cu-BTC from fabrics against brine shrimp at 10 mg/mL. These results revealed that, the in-growth of Cu-BTC resulted in production of biocidal synthetic fabrics without any ecotoxic effects at the as-used Cu-BTC content.