The development of lanthanide–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) using for luminescence sensing and selective gas adsorption applications is of great significance from an energy and environmental perspective. This study reports the solvothermal synthesis of a fluorine-functionalized 3D microporous Tb-MOF with a face-centered cubic (fcu) topology constructed from hexanuclear clusters (Tb₆O₃₀) bridged by fdpdc ligands, formulated as {[Tb₆(fdpdc)₆(μ₃-OH)₈(H₂O)₆]·4DMF}_n (1), (fdpdc = 3-fluorobiphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate). Complex 1 displays a 3D framework with the channel of 7.2 × 7.2 Ų (measured between opposite atoms) perpendicular to the a-axis. With respect to Ba²⁺ cation, the framework of activated 1 (1a) exhibits high selectivity and reversibility in luminescence sensing function, with an LOD of 4.34665 mM. According to the results of simulations, compared to other small gas molecules (CO₂, N₂, H₂, CO, and CH₄), activated 1 (1a) shows a high adsorption selectivity for C₂H₂ at 298 K.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant clinical challenge due to its multidrug resistance, particularly to β-lactam antibiotics. This study comprehensively evaluated the natural compound emodin for its anti-MRSA activity, mechanisms of action, and potential for synergy with β-lactam antibiotics. Our findings demonstrate that emodin dose-dependently inhibits MRSA growth and abrogates biofilm formation at 2× MIC. Mechanistic studies revealed that emodin compromises cell membrane and wall integrity, induces oxidative stress, and downregulates the virulence factors SPA and EsxA. Furthermore, emodin acted synergistically with β-lactam antibiotics: it enhanced the ability of cefalexin to block bacterial adhesion and invasion of HaCat cells, and potentiated the efficacy of amoxicillin in clearing MRSA from infected macrophages. In conclusion, emodin employs a multi-target mechanism against MRSA and can resensitize the bacterium to conventional β-lactam antibiotics, presenting a promising strategy for combination therapy that may help curb antibiotic use and resistance development.