3D hierarchical Cu-MOF nanosheets-based antibacterial mesh

•Cu-BDC nanosheets-based mesh with hierarchical structure is prepared.•The mesh shows highly efficient in vitro and in vivo antibacterial performance.•The sharp-edged nanosheet arrays can penetrate the bacterial membrane.•The sustained release of Cu ions can provide a long-term antibacterial activity. Bacterial infections pose a serious threat to public health. It is therefore essential to develop systems with effective antibacterial properties. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of materials which are considered promising for applications due to several properties, such as large specific surface area, porous topographic structure, and adjustable physico/chemical functionalities. Specific to the context of nosocomial infections, MOFs are relevant because they exhibit antibacterial properties, resulting from the intrinsic composition and structure of their building blocks, i.e., metal ions/clusters and organic ligands. However, their broader application is hindered by the low antibacterial rate, bacterial organic molecular/metal resistance after long-term use, and difficulties in recycling and reuse. Here we report the design and fabrication of a Cu-BDC nanosheets-based antibacterial mesh with hierarchical structure through a two-step in situ growth. In the penetration process, the sharp-edged nanosheet arrays could effectively inactivate bacteria. Meanwhile, the sustained release of low concentration bactericidal copper ions could provide a long-term antibacterial activity and avoid toxicity arising from the burst-release of accumulated metal ions. Because of the synergistic physical and chemical damage to microbes, the obtained mesh exhibited excellent in vitro and in vivo antibacterial performance with enhanced biocompatibility and long-term durability.