The Effect of Copper on the Structure, Chemical Composition, and Antibacterial Properties of the Synthesized Cu@ZIF-8 Metal–Organic Framework Nanocarrier

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Parsa Ghaemmaghami 1
Rouhollah Mehdinavaz aghdam 2
1 School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering,College of Engineering, University of Tehran,Tehran, Iran
2 School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/amnc.2025.523633.1286
Abstract
Nanoscale Metal–Organic Frameworks (nano-MOFs) are a class of nanomaterials consisting of metal ions coordinated with organic ligands, offering exceptional properties such as high specific surface area and substantial structural porosity, which make them highly promising for biomedical applications. In this study, ZIF-8 and copper-doped ZIF-8 (Cu@ZIF-8) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and particle size distribution analysis revealed that ZIF-8 nanoparticles ranged from 75 to 125 nm in size, while Cu@ZIF-8 particles ranged from 125 to 325 nm, indicating that copper incorporation leads to increased particle size and the formation of a regular, hexagonal morphology. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses confirmed that copper doping does not significantly disrupt the crystalline structure but results in reduced crystallinity and enhanced water molecule density within the pores. Antibacterial assays showed that Cu@ZIF-8 exhibited a bactericidal efficiency exceeding 99.9% against Escherichia coli and approximately 90% against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings highlight the excellent antibacterial activity, structural integrity, and potential of Cu@ZIF-8 nanoparticles for applications in biomedical engineering.
Keywords
Copper
Antibacterial properties
ZIF-8
Cu@ZIF-8
Subjects