Synthesis and characterization of ZIF-8 nanoparticles as an antibacterial biomaterial

Aim and Background: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are distinctive materials with noticeable pore patterns. In addition to serving as a drug delivery system, they can be utilized to store gas and catalyze reactions. Due to its chemical and thermal stability, the series of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) is a particularly valuable group of porous materials. Several studies were conducted to generate biocompatible nanoparticles with the requisite shape and porosity for drug delivery and medical treatment. For instance, ZIF-8 was employed in medicinal applications by Xia et al. and Kohsari et al. Methods: For the synthesis of ZIF-8, a solution of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and methyl imidazole in methanol was stirred for 5 h. Following that, the solution was centrifuged, washed three times, and dried in an oven. Results and discussion: The nanoparticles were characterized by various analyses including FE-SEM, XRD, MTT, and antibacterial assay. The morphology of ZIF-8 nanoparticles has an average size of 62 nm with connected pores. The biological test determined promising cell viability and no toxicity at different concentrations of ZIF-8. The antibacterial assay shows high antibacterial properties for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: Several approaches were used to successfully create ZIF-8 nanoparticles. antibacterial properties, cell viability, and even enhancement in cell growth were seen