Coordination chemistry of metal–organic frameworks: Detection, adsorption, and photodegradation of tetracycline antibiotics and beyond

Tetracyclines (TCs) are a large family of broad-spectrum antibiotics with one of the highest aquatic persistence after release from humans and animals. Hence, TCs are known to generate antibiotic resistance along with estrogenic and other toxic effects in non-target organisms. Unfortunately, the detection and removal of TCs from aqueous matrices remain challenging. For this purpose, we review metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which have emerged as effective alternatives, given their photocatalytic and adsorptive capabilities. MOFs exhibit large interactive surface area and tunable structure and pore size for fast mass transfer and strong host–guest interactions. Herein, these and other topics related to the use of MOFs are critically discussed after summarizing the recent progress in the detection, adsorption, and photocatalytic degradation of TCs in aqueous media. Finally, the limitations in using MOFs and future outlook are introduced to guide the development of novel multi-functional MOF-based nanomaterials.