Structural features and antibacterial activity of Ni(ii) thiosemicarbazones in a zirconium metal-organic framework composite

Abstract

Metal–Organic Frameworks for Biological Applications (BioMOFs) are materials that incorporate therapeutically active ligands into the framework that offer an alternative strategy which combines the structural advantages of MOFs with enhanced functionality for pharmacological properties. The tunable interactions between metal nodes and organic linkers in MOFs favor gradual degradation and/or release of bioactive species. In this work we present the synthesis and detailed characterization of a composite incorporating a Nickel(II) thiosemicarbazone complex and MOF-808. The composite releases Ni(II) species in a controlled manner over 24 h, as demonstrated by UV and NMR. This phenomenon has been applied to inhibit bacterial growth. This research will encourage further exploration into the rational design of new thiosemicarbazones/MOFs materials.