https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02298-8
Regular Article
Structural integration and antibacterial performance of advanced Zn-MOF@MXene nanocomposites
1
Department of Chemistry, University Institute of Sciences, Chandigarh University, 140413, Gharuan, Punjab, India
2
University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, 140413, Mohali, Punjab, India
a
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Received:
20
November
2025
Accepted:
23
March
2026
Published online:
26
April
2026
Abstract
The current study evaluates the structural characterization and antibacterial efficacy of a novel nanocomposite, (Zinc-based Metal–Organic Framework) Zn-MOF@MXene, synthesized by integrating zinc-based metal–organic frameworks (Zn-MOF) onto MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed successful composite formation through Zn–O–Ti bonding and strong interfacial interactions between oxygen-containing functional groups. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Zn-MOF@MXene exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones of up to 40 ± 1 mm against E. coli and showing inhibition comparable to standard antibiotics against P. aeruginosa, while MXene alone showed limited or no inhibition against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Statistical analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed significant differences among treatments (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed severe morphological damage, membrane disruption, and biofilm collapse in bacterial cells treated with Zn-MOF@MXene, in contrast to the relatively intact morphology observed with MXene alone. These findings underscore the synergistic antibacterial mechanism of MXene and Zn-MOF@MXene, offering their promising applications in biomedical coatings, wound dressings, and water purification. Future studies should explore cytotoxicity, antibiotic synergy, and kinetic profiles to further establish its clinical and environmental utility.
Copyright comment Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
