Exploring green synthesis and characterization of ZIF-8 and recent developments in anti-infective applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as versatile materials with diverse applications, including significant potential in combating infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Among various MOFs, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), particularly ZIF-8, have attracted substantial attention due to their unique properties, such as high surface area, tunable pore size, and exceptional chemical stability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the green synthesis and characterization of ZIF-8, focusing on its applications in antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral contexts. The review begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of ZIF-8 synthesis, emphasizing environmentally friendly methods, and is followed by an overview of characterization techniques used to assess ZIF-8's structure and its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. The mechanisms by which ZIF-8 interacts with and inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses are explored, along with recent strategies to enhance its efficacy through surface functionalization and the incorporation of metal ions. Finally, challenges and future perspectives in the development of ZIF-8-based materials for anti-infective applications are highlighted, underscoring their potential to address the growing issue of antibiotic resistance and emerging infectious diseases.