Metal organic frameworks for bacterial detection in environmental samples

Pathogenic bacteria pose significant threats to public health. Early and accurate detection of bacteria is crucial for infection control and prevention of outbreaks. This paper reviews recent advances in metal organic framework (MOF)-based methods for bacterial detection. MOFs are promising materials for biosensing due to their large surface areas, customizable properties, and ability to integrate various sensing capabilities. Several colorimetric and electrochemical detection techniques that utilize MOFs are discussed. Colorimetric assays combining MOFs with gold nanoparticles, peroxidase-mimicking activity, and aptamer recognition have achieved sensitive and specific detection of bacteria such as E. coli and S. aureus. Electrochemical biosensors integrating MOFs, antibodies, aptamers and quantum dots have also demonstrated low detection limits for various bacteria. Notably, techniques using MOF peroxidase-like activity coupled with magnetic separation or competitive binding assays show potential for point-of-care pathogen detection. Furthermore, optimization of MOF properties and integration within microfluidic platforms may lead to portable, low-cost and rapid methods suitable for on-site bacterial analysis in diverse settings. Continued exploration of MOF-based sensing strategies holds promise for improved bacteria monitoring and control of infectious diseases.