NiPc-Cu 2D MOF: Facile and scalable synthesis of an antimicrobial agent rivaling clinical antibiotics

Phthalocyanine (Pc) is a promising class of metalloantibiotics with antibacterial properties, akin to many metalloantibiotics, that exerts its effect by disrupting the bacterial respiratory chain. Therefore, it is particularly crucial to develop simple and efficient antibacterial strategies to enhance the activity of antibiotics. The construction of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) helps to improve the electron transfer ability of phthalocyanine antibacterial drugs and enhance their antibacterial activity. In this study, we report the synthesis of a two-dimensional (2D) NiPc-Cu MOF using a modified liquid–liquid interfacial method, offering a facile, scalable, and stable approach. The excellent electron transfer properties of the MOF significantly enhance the ability of NiPc to disrupt the respiratory chain, thereby boosting its antibacterial activity. Compared to NiPc alone, NiPc-Cu MOF demonstrated a 1000-fold reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC 50 ) against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), reaching 4 ng/mL—a level surpassing most reported metalloantibiotics and comparable to clinically used antibiotics. Furthermore, NiPc-Cu MOF selectively targets bacteria with minimal cytotoxicity to animal cells. Based on this, we have developed NiPc-Cu MOF as a safe antibacterial coating for catheters, characterized by excellent stability and superior antibacterial activity. This study provides a straightforward and effective strategy for enhancing the activity of molecular drugs that exert antibacterial effects by interfering with the respiratory chain.