Biocompatible boron-based COF-1 towards antibacterial applications
Abstract
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging class of predesignable, crystalline polymers with highly ordered and tunable structures. COFs, which consist of purely organic units connected through powerful covalent bonds, exhibit good stability, small mass density, and permanent porosity. In combination with the unique properties of large surface area, adjustable pore size, and metal-free structure for good biocompatibility, COFs have immense application potential in the field of biomedicine. Recent studies have shown that COFs may display excellent antibacterial activity, which can pave the way for innovative systems for treating bacterial infections. The primary aim of this study was the synthesis, characterization, and determination of the antibacterial properties of boron-based COF-1. The material was obtained through a facile method of direct condensation of monomers under ultrasonic treatment and mild conditions. COF-1 was characterized structurally, spectroscopically, and texturally using dif-ferent techniques such as PXRD, IR spectroscopy, TEM and SEM imaging, TG, and nitrogen sorption isotherm (77 K). In order to demonstrate the bioapplication potential of COF-1, its biocompatibility with se-lected normal cells, such as human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and mouse osteoblast precur-sor cells (MC3T3), was tested. Considering the photocatalytic potential of COF-1, due to the elemental composition (electron-deficient boron) and extended conjugation, its capacity to produce a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under white light irradiation was checked. Finally, the antimicrobial effect of COF-1 against the representative bacterial strains (Pseu-domonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) was conducted.
Beata Barszcz
Organising Committee Member
