The utilization of polymer/metal organic framework (MOF) nanocomposites in various biomedical applications has been widely studied due to their unique properties that arise from MOFs or hybrid composite systems. This review focuses on the types of polymer/MOF nanocomposites used in drug delivery and imaging applications. Initially, a comprehensive introduction to the synthesis and structure of MOFs and bio-MOFs is presented. Subsequently, the properties and the performance of polymer/MOF nanocomposites used in these applications are examined, in relation to the approach applied for their synthesis: (i) non-covalent attachment, (ii) covalent attachment, (iii) polymer coordination to metal ions, (iv) MOF encapsulation in polymers, and (v) other strategies. A critical comparison and discussion of the effectiveness of polymer/MOF nanocomposites regarding their synthesis methods and their structural characteristics is presented.

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A series of seven fast-biodegrading aliphatic polyesters were prepared from 1,3-propanediol and aliphatic diacids with increasing number of methylene units (x). Melting points decreased from PPSu to PPAd and then increased again to PPAz and PPSeb. Crystallization rates and thermal stability increased steadily with increasing x. Glass transition temperatures decreased steadily to PPPim and subsequently increased. Enzymatic degradation of the polymers in the presence of a mixture of Rhizopus delemar and Pseudomonas cepacia lipases was much faster than that of poly(epsilon-caprolactone). All the polyester specimens were almost disintegrated within 36 h. PPSub exhibited the fastest enzymatic hydrolysis rates, PPAd and PPSuc the slowest.

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