Loading of 4-Chloro-3-Formylcoumarin on the Potassium-Based Perylene Tetracarboxylic Acid as the Metal–Organic Framework for the Biocompatible Antimicrobial Performances

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a unique class of porous materials formed by connecting metal ions or clusters within the organic ligands. They have attracted substantial attention in various fields, including drug delivery and their potential in addressing microbial infections. In this particular research, we accomplished the successful encapsulation of 4-chloro-3-formylcoumarin (CFC) within potassium-based perylene tetracarboxylic acid (K₄PTC) MOFs. Our investigation involved characterizing this process using proton chemical shifts, affirming the effective incorporation of CFC molecules within the cavities of the MOFs. Moreover, the differences between MOFs that had been loaded with CFC and those that remained unloaded are strikingly evident in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. These distinctions allowed us to visually confirm the successful loading of CFC into the MOFs. To evaluate the MOFs' antibacterial properties, we conducted experiments involving two human pathogenic microbes. The results revealed significant zones of growth inhibition corresponding to the concentration of MOFs used, underscoring their potent antibacterial activity. In addition to these assessments, we conducted a biofilm assay to gauge the MOFs' effectiveness in countering the formation of biofilms by these pathogens.