Analysis of Metal-Organic Framework Stability, Antimicrobial Properties, and Dental Applications
Date
2022-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Florida Southern College
Abstract
The development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), an analysis of their properties,
and exploration of their potential biomedical applications, specifically dental, are areas of
modern biochemical interest focus on through this study. Previous research has shown these frameworks (and/or their components) have the potential for antimicrobial properties, and we hypothesized that they may be used on dental implants to inhibit the growth of oral bacteria responsible for peri-implantitis. This project has consisted of the development and structural analysis of several different novel frameworks with a high potential for microbial inhibition. Through the incorporation of antimicrobial metal ions, bridging ligands, and possibly terminal ligands there is the potential for a synergistic antimicrobial effect greater than any of the individual components. Structural stability has been monitored under varying environmental conditions, such as humidity; changes have been recorded and analyzed for potential functional applications in biological conditions. A common characteristic of MOFs is the modularity of components, which could allow for the addition of drug compounds or ligands with higher antimicrobial effects for a stronger inhibition of bacterial growth. Key MOFs were selected for antimicrobial analysis through Kirby-Bauer inhibition tests on the common oral bacteria, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). The frameworks presenting significant bacterial inhibition were then tested for the potential of growth directly onto the titanium implants used in a majority of oral surgeries. Our research project has resulted in novel MOFs with antimicrobial properties that can be further functionalized and grown directly onto titanium implants for the prevention of infection immediately post oral surgery.
Description
Honors Thesis Spring 2022
item.page.type
Thesis
item.page.format
Keywords
Metal-organic frameworks, Anti-infective agents, Dental implants