Synergistic antibacterial effect of quaternary ammonium salt functionalized metal–organic framework

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) can be an important causative factor for severe infections in humans, especially in patients with respiratory infections. Herein, we have designed a quaternary ammonium salt (QAS)-functionalized metal–organic framework (MOF) material, which combines the physical antibacterial and photodynamic therapeutic properties of nanomaterials to achieve high antibacterial efficiency. It is worth noting that positively charged nanomaterials can effectively adhere to the surface of bacteria, destroying the structure of the cell membrane, and then cooperating with the free radicals released by light irradiation to achieve a more thorough antibacterial effect. The antibacterial activity of the nanomaterials against P. aeruginosa was over 90% within 20 minutes. Therefore, MOF materials modified with QAS have enormous effective potential in antimicrobial applications.