Mg- and Mn-MOFs Boost the Antibiotic Activity of Nalidixic Acid

The development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) enclosing active pharmaceutical ingredients is of considerable interest, as their use in controlled drug release and delivery is very promising. Although nalidixic acid is an antibiotic with a broad spectrum of biological applications, effective mainly against Gram-negative infections, its oral bioavailability is low due to a poor solubility and slow dissolution. Herein, we report new metal–organic frameworks (BioMOFs) comprising nalidixic acid and divalent magnesium and manganese ions. These compounds showed an adequate cytotoxicity and improved antimicrobial activity, especially against Gram-negative bacteria. These BioMOFS are among the first examples containing active pharmaceutical ingredients as linkers. Importantly, it is shown that a remarkable increase of the antimicrobial activity of certain antibiotics may be achieved by delivering them in the form of BioMOFs.