Fig. 4. In vitro antibacterial activity of MOFs against S. aureus and E. coli. (A) S. aureus and (B) E. coli mixed with MOF (500 ppm) and subjected to either 660 nm (0.4 W cm⁻²) light exposure or kept in darkness for 20 min. The bacterial mixtures are spread on LB agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. (C) Statistical analysis results of antibacterial activity against S. aureus and (D) E. coli. (*P < 0.1, **P < 0.05, ***P < 0.001, t-test; all experiments conducted at least thrice). The bacteria are mixed with 500 ppm MOF and subjected to 660 nm (0.4 W cm⁻²) light exposure or kept in the dark for 20 min before and after treatment. (E) Morphology and structure of S. aureus and (F) E. coli. Observed through scanning electron microscopy after 20 min of exposure to 660 nm (0.4 W cm⁻²) light or darkness (n ≥ 3). Viability assessed using the MTT method after (G) 1 d and (H) 3 days of treatment.¹³⁶.