pH‐Responsive Bimetallic MOFs ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 for Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

Stimulus‐responsive nanocarrier materials have garnered significant attention in biomedical science. Among them, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their remarkable antibacterial properties and pH sensitivity. In this study, a pH‐responsive bimetallic MOFs carrier, ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67, was successfully synthesized for the delivery of berberine hydrochloride (BBH). Comprehensive characterization using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, FT‐IR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the successful synthesis and structural integrity of ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 and BBH@ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67. Subsequently, the drug release behavior, antibacterial efficacy, and biocompatibility of the composite material were systematically evaluated. Our findings revealed that BBH@ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 exhibited well‐controlled drug release properties, excellent antibacterial effects and biocompatibility. Furthermore, molecular docking results revealed that penicillin‐binding protein 2a and dihydrofolate reductase in S. aureus may serve as two potential antibacterial targets for BBH. This research provides valuable insights into the use of bimetallic MOFs materials for developing highly efficient stimulus‐responsive nanocarrier systems in biomedical applications.