Synthesis of high-performance antibacterial agent based on incorporated vancomycin into MOF-modified lignin nanocomposites

The alarming rise in antibiotic resistance necessitates urgent action, particularly against the backdrop of resistant bacteria evolving to render conventional antibiotics less effective, leading to an increase in morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Vancomycin-loaded Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) nanocomposites have emerged as a promising strategy in enhancing the eradication of pathogenic bacteria. This study introduces lignin as a novel synergistic agent in Vancomycin-loaded MOF (Lig-Van-MOF), which substantially enhances the antibacterial activity against drug-resistant bacteria. Lig-Van-MOF exhibits six-fold lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) than free vancomycin and Van-MOF with a much higher antibacterial potential against sensitive and resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Remarkably, it reduces biofilms of these strains by over 85 % in minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC). Utilization of lignin to modify surface properties of MOFs improves their adhesion to bacterial membranes and boosts the local concentration of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) via unique synergistic mechanism. Additionally, lignin induces substantial cell deformation in treated bacterial cells. It confirms the superior bactericidal properties of Lig-Van-MOF against Staphylococcus species, underlining its significant potential as a bionanomaterial designed to combat antibiotic resistance effectively. This research paves the way for novel antibacterial platforms that optimize cost-efficiency and broaden microbial resistance management applications.