Synthesis, Characterization, Density Functional Theory Study, Antibacterial Activity and Molecular Docking of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8

ABSTRACT In this study, Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) nanomaterials were synthesized using a co‐precipitation one‐pot method that uses ethanol, methanol, and water as solvents for the precursors (2‐methylimidazole and Zinc nitrate hexahydrate), resulting in yields of 66.77%, 73.14%, and 68.12%, respectively. The as‐synthesized ZIF‐8 nanomaterials were thoroughly characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the crystallite size of ethanol‐based ZIF‐8 (24.76 ± 1.67 nm) was smaller than those synthesized in water (26.92 ± 1.89 nm) and methanol (31.39 ± 1.03 nm). However, methanol‐based ZIF‐8 exhibited lower crystallinity (85.93%) than water‐based ZIF‐8 (91.48%) and ethanol‐based ZIF‐8 (92.71%). Zeta potential studies revealed that ethanol‐based ZIF‐8 had a larger surface charge (+37 mV) than water‐based ZIF‐8 (+35 mV) or methanol‐based ZIF‐8 (+24 mV). Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed particle sizes of 54.35 ± 2.11 nm for ethanol‐based ZIF‐8, 57.91 ± 2.26 nm for water‐based ZIF‐8, and 63.25 ± 4.12 nm for methanol‐based ZIF‐8. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated thermal stability up to 800 °C, with mass losses of 55.98% for ethanol‐ZIF‐8, 50.12% for water‐based ZIF‐8, and 65.36% for methanol‐based ZIF‐8 by 600 °C. In antibacterial studies, water‐based ZIF‐8 exhibited the largest zone of growth inhibition (17.30 ± 0.26 mm) against Escherichia coli compared to ethanol‐based ZIF‐8 (15.57 ± 0.32 mm) and methanol‐based ZIF‐8 (14.70 ± 0.20 mm). Pearson's correlation study revealed that zeta potential, crystallinity, and antibacterial activity are positively related. Furthermore, water‐based ZIF‐8, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 μg/100 μL, confirmed evident cell membrane disruption. Molecular docking experiments revealed ZIF‐8's significant binding affinity for the E. coli protein 5AZC, supporting its robust antibacterial activity.