Antimicrobial activity of cobalt imidazolate metal–organic frameworks

Two cobalt imidazolate metal–organic frameworks were evaluated as a bactericidal material against the growth of the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas putida and Escherichia coli.Under the most unfavourable conditions, within the exponential growth phase and in the culture media for both microorganisms, the growth inhibition reached over 50% for concentrations of biocidal material in the 5–10mgL−1 range. The release of metal gives excellent durability with the antibacterial effect persisting after 3months. Both cobalt-based materials can be prepared with simple, cheap and easily accessible commercial ligands, leading to a more affordable possible future application as antimicrobial materials.