Two coordination polymers based on mixed ligand, namely [Cu(L)(phen)(H2O)](n) (1) and [Co(L)(4,4'-bipy)] (2) (4,4'-bipy is 4,4'-bipyridine, phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, H2L is 5-(benzyloxy)benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid), were produced hydrothermally, and their structures were characterized through X-ray diffraction. Results show that complex 1 features a 1D chain-like structure, which is further extended into a 3D supra-molecular network via H-bond interactions, while complex 2 reveals a 2D layered network based on the di-nuclear subunit of [Co-2(COO)(2)]. Their photo-catalytic activities were explored through methylene blue photo-degradation under UV light irradiation. Their application values on the puerperal infection were explored, and the specific mechanism was investigated. First, the inflammatory cytokines released into the plasma during bacterial infection was determined via enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay. Afterward, the bacterial survival genes relative expression levels were determined with real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.