Peroxidase- and UV-triggered oxidase mimetic activities of the UiO-66-NH2/chitosan composite membrane for antibacterial properties

In this study, UiO-66-NH₂ metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles with peroxidase and oxidase mimetic activities were incorporated into a chitosan (CS) matrix by a simple and environmentally friendly method. The UiO-66-NH₂/CS composite membrane possesses the peroxidase mimicking activity in the presence of traces of H₂O₂, thus resulting in good antibacterial properties. Intriguingly, 30 min of UV pre-irradiation of the UiO-66-NH₂/CS composite membrane, in the absence of H₂O₂, still leads to a good antibacterial activity. This was attributed to the oxidase mimetic activity and the peroxidase mimicking activity of UiO-66-NH₂. In such a way, the side effects of direct exposure to UV irradiation and H₂O₂ can be avoided for wound-healing treatments. The antibacterial mechanism was further proved by antibacterial experiments, TMB·2HCl color development experiments, reactive oxygen species generation tests and electron spin resonance tests. As a potential medical antibacterial dressing, in vitro membranes were also investigated.