One-pot encapsulation of penicillin G into ZIF-8 and its antibacterial activity

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) provide adaptable platforms for drug delivery and antibacterial applications owing to their adjustable porosity, high surface area, and catalytic characteristics. We present the environmentally friendly, room-temperature synthesis of ZIF-8 nanocomposites, both with and without penicillin G encapsulation. The materials were comprehensively evaluated using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR, DRS, SEM, and nitrogen sorption isotherms. Structural investigation verified high crystallinity, preservation of framework integrity upon drug encapsulation, and enabled the formation of hierarchical porosity with interparticle mesopores. SEM images identified nanoscale particles (50–100 nm), whereas DRS spectra showed a blue shift following drug encapsulation, suggesting an interaction between penicillin G and the ZIF-8 framework. The antibacterial assessment against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria revealed superior efficacy of penicillin-loaded ZIF-8 (ZIF3), resulting in decreasing CFU counts and lower MIC values relative to free penicillin and chloramphenicol (positive control antibiotic). These findings support the promise of ZIF-8-based nanocomposites as effective antibacterial agents for applications in wound healing, drug delivery, and public health protection.