Synthesis of Metal–Organic Framework-Based\nZIF-8@ZIF-67 Nanocomposites for Antibiotic Decomposition and Antibacterial\nActivities

Abstract

Toxic antibiotic\neffluents and antibiotic-resistant bacteria constitute\na threat to global health. So, scientists are investigating high-performance\nmaterials for antibiotic decomposition and antibacterial activities.\nIn this novel research work, we have successfully designed ZIF-8@ZIF-67\nnanocomposites via sol–gel and solvothermal approaches. The\nZIF-8@ZIF-67 nanocomposite is characterized by various techniques\nthat exhibit superior surface area enhancement, charge separation,\nand high light absorption performance. Yet, ZIF-8 has high adsorption\nrates and active sites, while ZIF-67 has larger pore volume and efficient\nadsorption and reaction capabilities, demonstrating that the ZIF-8@ZIF-67\nnanocomposite outperforms pristine ZIF-8 and ZIF-67. Compared with\npristine ZIF-8 and ZIF-67, the most active 6ZIF-67@ZIF-8 nanocomposite\nshowed higher decomposition efficacy for ciprofloxacin (65%), levofloxacin\n(54%), and ofloxacin (48%). Scavenger experiments confirmed that ^•OH, ^•O^2–, and h⁺ are the most active species for the decomposition of ciprofloxacin\n(CIP), levofloxacin (LF), and ofloxacin (OFX), respectively. In addition,\nthe 6ZIF-67/ZIF-8 nanocomposite suggested its potential applications\nin Escherichia coli for growth inhibition\nzone, antibacterial activity, and decreased viability. Moreover, the\nstability test and decomposition pathway of CIP, LF, and OFX were\nalso proposed. Finally, our study aims to enhance the efficiency and\nstability of ZIF-8@ZIF-67 nanocomposite and potentially enable its\napplications in antibiotic decomposition, antibacterial activities,\nand environmental remediation.