Continuous-flow mechanochemical preparation of Ag-Cu@ZIF-8 bimetallic system for antimicrobial applications

This study discloses the synthesis of Ag- and Cu- modified ZIF-8 materials using a novel, sustainable beads-assisted flow reaction in a continuous-flow mechanochemical system. This approach offers an efficient, environmentally friendly route to producing antimicrobial materials with promising applications. Antimicrobial tests against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans revealed that pristine ZIF-8 showed no relevant biological activity. Ag@ZIF-8 comparably demonstrated strong bactericidal activity against E. coli and S. coli at 0.1 mg mL−1, while Cu@ZIF-8 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus (0.5 mg mL−1, 5 % Cu loading) and no activity against E. coli or C. albicans. Notably, bimetallic Ag-Cu@ZIF-8 composite (5 % Ag + 5 % Cu) displayed enhanced antibacterial efficacy including antifungal activity against C. albicans at a concentration of 0.1 mg mL−1, likely due to a synergistic effect between Ag and Cu ions. © 2024