Research Progress in the Development and Application of MOFs as Antibacterial Surface Materials for Medical Implants

Bacterial infection is one of the main problems affecting the widespread application of implantable and interventional medical devices and postoperative recovery. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous coordination materials composed of metal ions and organic ligands. They have controllable pore sizes, high specific surface areas and structural diversity, giving them a high loading capacity. Their ability for sustained drugs and metal ions release makes them excellent candidates for use as antibacterial surfaces in implantable medical devices, as well as for treating bacterial infections. This review summarizes the research progress and application of MOFs as antibacterial surface materials for medical implants and elaborates on their antibacterial effects and mechanisms. We also explain the limitations regarding the application of MOFs for clinical purposes and their future application prospects.