V-Shaped Ligand-Engineered Copper-Based Coordination Polymers for Urease Inhibition: Design Strategies and Applications

Copper-based coordination polymers (Cu-CPs) regulated by V-shaped auxiliary ligands have emerged as a promising class of urease inhibitors with unique structural features and enhanced bioactivity. This review summarizes recent advances in the design and fabrication of V-shaped ligand-engineered Cu-CPs, emphasizing their structural characteristics and the underlying mechanisms of urease inhibition. The interplay between Cu²⠺ centers and ligand environment modulates electronic properties and accessibility, resulting in superior inhibitory performance. Additionally, the environmental applications, stability, and comparative advantages over traditional inhibitors are discussed. Challenges such as synthetic complexity, safety concerns, and scalability are also addressed, alongside future perspectives focusing on degradable and stimuli-responsive CPs and multifunctional designs. This work highlights the potential of V-shaped ligand-regulated Cu-CPs as efficient, environmentally friendly urease inhibitors and their role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices.