Bacteria that multiply on surfaces pose a significant challenge in healthcare settings, particularly when they establish themselves on medical devices like implants or catheters. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have discovered a groundbreaking method to combat these bacterial hotbeds, using a novel application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which recently earned a Nobel Prize. This innovative approach does not rely on antibiotics or toxic metals but instead utilizes MOFs to physically impale and kill bacteria before they can adhere to surfaces.
The announcement comes as biofilms—viscous coatings that protect bacteria—continue to thrive in humid environments, complicating efforts to control infections. These biofilms can form on medical devices, leading to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), a global issue that results in significant patient suffering, increased healthcare costs, and heightened antibiotic resistance.
Revolutionary Use of Metal-Organic Frameworks
The Chalmers University researchers have pioneered a new method to tackle biofilms by coating surfaces with nanostructures composed of metal-organic frameworks. This approach, detailed in a recent study, was developed in collaboration between Professor Ivan Mijakovic’s and Professor Lars Öhrström’s research teams.
“Our study shows that these nanostructures can act like tiny spikes that physically injure the bacteria, quite simply puncturing them so that they die. It’s a completely new way of using such metal-organic frameworks,” said Zhejian Cao, PhD in Materials Engineering and lead author of the study.
The coating can be applied to various surfaces and integrated into other materials, offering a significant advantage by preventing or reducing biofilm formation without antibiotics or toxic metals. “It fights a major global problem, as it eliminates the risk that controlling bacteria will lead to antibiotic resistance,” Cao added.
Challenges and Innovations in Nanotip Design
Metal-organic frameworks are a new class of materials with unique properties, where metal ions form three-dimensional structures with large cavities and channels. The researchers behind MOFs were awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, with hopes for applications ranging from biogas storage to water extraction from desert air. However, the Chalmers team explored a different function for MOFs in their study.
“There have been previous attempts to use metal-organic frameworks for antibacterial purposes, but in those cases, the bacteria were killed by toxic metal ions or antimicrobial agents released by the MOFs. Instead, we have grown one MOF on top of another, which results in the formation of sharp nanotips that can puncture and kill the bacteria when they approach,” explained Cao.
Creating these nanotips involved controlling the crystalline growth in the material, with a major challenge being the optimal distance between the nanotips. “If the distance between the nanotips is too large, bacteria can slip through and attach to the surface. If the distance is too small, however, the mechanical stress exerted by the nanotips on the bacterial cell capsule may be reduced so that the bacteria survive—the same principle that allows you to lie on a bed of nails without getting hurt,” Cao noted.
Potential for Large-Scale Production and Environmental Benefits
Lars Öhrström, a co-author of the study, emphasized the practical advantages of using MOF coatings over other solutions for controlling bacteria on surfaces. “These coatings can be produced at much lower temperatures than, for example, the graphene arrays previously developed at Chalmers. This facilitates large-scale production and makes it possible to apply the coatings to temperature-sensitive materials such as the plastics used in medical implants,” Öhrström said.
Moreover, the organic polymers in metal-organic frameworks can be created from recycled plastics, contributing to a circular economy. This aspect aligns with broader environmental goals, offering a sustainable solution to a pervasive problem.
The study, titled “Mechano-Bactericidal Surfaces Achieved by Epitaxial Growth of Metal-Organic Frameworks,” was published in the journal Advanced Science. The research was conducted in Professor Lars Öhrström’s group at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Professor Ivan Mijakovic’s group at the Department of Life Sciences. It was funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, NordForsk, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and other prominent organizations.
As the world grapples with the challenges of antibiotic resistance and the need for sustainable solutions, the Chalmers University researchers’ innovative use of MOFs represents a promising advancement in the fight against bacterial infections. This development not only addresses a critical healthcare issue but also opens new avenues for the practical application of Nobel Prize-winning materials.
