Research advances in metal-organic framework materials as the delivery system of antibacterial constituents of traditional Chinese medicine

With the increasing abuse of antibiotics and the growing resistance of bacteria, it is urgent to find new antibacterial agents. Numerous constituents of traditional Chinese medicine exhibit pronounced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant pharmacological properties, often operating through multiple mechanisms, thereby positioning them as a vital source for the development of novel antibacterial agents in the future. Nevertheless, the antibacterial constituents of traditional Chinese medicine exhibit challenges such as inadequate stability, low solubility, and suboptimal intelligent release capabilities, which hinder their extensive application in antibacterial formulations. Metal-organic framework materials serve as highly effective drug carriers for antibacterial constituents of traditional Chinese medicine, attributed to their high specific surface area, elevated porosity, controllable pore dimensions, and responsive release properties. Furthermore, they not only enhance the stability and solubility of these antibacterial constituents while also exhibiting inherent antibacterial activity and responsive release capabilities. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of bacterial resistance mechanisms and the action pathways of antibacterial constituents of traditional Chinese medicine against resistant bacteria. Additionally, it highlights the current advancements in metal-organic framework materials and their application in the delivery systems for these antibacterial constituents, aiming to provide valuable insights for the research and innovation of formulations based on traditional Chinese medicine.