Uncovering the potential of gallium-dendritic zeolites for advanced antimicrobial therapy

Beatrice Fodor – PhD student, Thermochemical Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy Institute; Tania Hidalgo – Senior Researcher, Advanced Porous Materials Unit, IMDEA Energy Institute; María del Mar Alonso – Senior Researcher, Thermochemical Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy Institute; David P. Serrano – Director of the Institute, Thermochemical Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy Institute; Patricia Horcajada – Head of Unit, Advanced Porous Materials Unit, IMDEA Energy Institute

Introduction: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance has driven the search for alternative antibacterial platforms beyond conventional antibiotics. Zeolites are attractive nanocarriers due to their high surface area and stability, but their strictly microporous nature limits drug loading, and aluminum-containing frameworks raise cytotoxicity concerns. Substitution of aluminum by biologically active heteroatoms such as gallium, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, together with the development of dendritic architectures is a promising strategy for advanced antibacterial therapies.