Melamine-based hydrogen-bonded organic nanoframework for metal ion adsorption and antibacterial applications

The present investigation reported the hydrothermal synthesis of melamine-based hydrogen organic nanoframework (M-HOFs) with promising toxic metal ions adsorption properties along with antibacterial activity. FTIR, XRD, FESEM, BET, and NTA analyses were utilized to perform the characterization of the synthesized M-HOF. The nanosized (83 nm), mesoporous nature, and high surface area (∼ 1199.93 m²/g) are responsible for adsorption and enhanced antibacterial activity. The adsorption studies showed that M-HOF is sensitive to Pb²⁺ ions in an aqueous medium. The Pb²⁺ ions quenched the emission of M-HOF to the largest extent with the K_SV value of 1.4099 × 10⁴ M⁻¹. The binding of Pb²⁺ ions leads to electronic changes in the structure of M-HOF. Additionally, M-HOF was investigated for its potential as an antibacterial agent based on its activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antibacterial efficiency of M-HOF against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA01) at 60 μg/mL was found to be 99 % after 10 h. M-HOF’s cytotoxicity was tested against HMEC-1 (Human microvascular endothelial cell line) at various concentrations, demonstrating good biocompatibility. This scalable and low-cost synthesis of M-HOF has great potential to reduce the environmental impact of waste, and disease transmission and can be utilized in dressings and food packaging areas.