Anchoring of ex-situ MOF-199 and MOF-UiO-66-NH2 onto TEMPO-oxidized cotton: potential antibacterials

Abstract This study reports the ex-situ anchoring of two metal organic frameworks (MOF-199 and MOF UiO-66-NH2) onto TEMPO-oxidized cotton fibers. While in-situ anchoring methodologies are reported, ex-situ protocols are underreported despite their advantages in industrial scaling-up and control. The functionalized composites were characterized after 48 h of Soxhlet treatment. X-ray diffraction and infrared spectra confirmed MOFs anchorage through super positioning signals corresponding to cotton and MOFs. Likewise, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) show the presence of Cu2+ (4.73% molar ratio) and Zr4+ (12.06%) coordinated to the -COO groups of the organic linkers, indicating a stable chemical interaction. Finally, SEM confirmed the expected MOF morphology. The potential antibacterial activity of these materials was evaluated. The assays revealed a bacteriostatic effect for MOF UiO-66-NH2@cotton, even after 48 h of contact. Meanwhile, the MOF-199@cotton showed a bactericide effect under the same conditions.