The chemistry of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a new
class of emerging crystalline porous solids with three-dimensional
(3D) networks composed of metals and multidentate organic molecules,
was introduced by using three differently shaped crystals. We reported
new and mild MOF synthesis methods that are simple and devised to
be performed in high school or primarily undergraduate school settings.
MOF applications were demonstrated by use of our synthesized MOFs
in the capture of iodine as a potentially hazardous molecule from
solution and as a drug delivery system. These applications can be
visually confirmed in minutes. Students can gain knowledge on advanced
topics, such as drug delivery systems, through these easy-to-prepare
MOFs. Furthermore, students can gain an understanding of powder X-ray
analysis and ultraviolet–visible near-infrared spectroscopy.
This laboratory experience is practical, including synthesis and application
of MOFs. The entire experiment has also been recorded as an educational
video posted on YouTube as a free public medium for students to watch
and learn. In this paper we first report the steps we took to synthesize
and analyze the MOFs, followed by a description of a simple demonstration
that we verified to effectively exhibit adsorption by MOFs. We conclude
with a description of how the laboratory activity and demonstration
were implemented in an undergraduate chemistry laboratory.
The
field of photodynamic therapy (PDT) has continued to show promise
as a potential method for treating tumors. In this work, a photosensitizer
(PS) has been delivered to cancer cell lines for PDT by incorporation
into the metal–organic framework (MOF) as an organic linker.
By functionalizing the surface of MOF nanoparticles with maltotriose,
the PS can efficiently target cancer cells with preferential uptake
into pancreatic and breast cancer cell lines. Effective targeting
overcomes some current problems with PDT including long-term photosensitivity
and tumor specificity. Developing a PS with optimal absorption and
stability is one of the foremost challenges in PDT, and the synthesis
of a chlorin, which is activated by long wavelength light and is resistant
to photobleaching, is described. This chlorin-based MOF shows anticancer
ability several times higher than that of porphyrin-based MOFs with
little toxicity to normal cell lines and no dark toxicity.
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a well‐suited platform for drug delivery systems that can affect photodynamic therapy (PDT). A well‐designed PDT delivery system to treat cancer can overcome some problems of current PDT such as prolonged photosensitivity and tumor specificity. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is difficult to treat with existing chemotherapy and often requires surgery because it quickly metastasizes throughout the body. Tumor associated macrophages (TAM) are known to be M2‐like macrophages, which are involved in processes of cancer progression, such as angiogenesis, matrix remodeling, and metastases. These roles are brought on by the expression of the CD206 (mannose receptor) on the surface of the macrophage. MOF nanoparticles around 50 nm are synthesized by a solvothermal reaction of Mn(III)‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin, tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin, and ZrOCl2. Through postsynthetic modification, Zn(II) is incorporated into the tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin sites and potassium maltotrionate is conjugated with the empty coordination sites on the Zr6O4(OH)4 clusters. The resultant maltotriose‐PCN‐224‐0.1Mn/0.9Zn is able to specifically target tumor cells and TAM. Upon irradiation by a light‐emitting diode (LED) source, TNBC and the TAM cells were selectively targeted by MA‐PCN‐224‐0.1Mn/0.9Zn via the glucose transporter (GLUT) and CD206 receptors. The MA‐PCN‐224‐0.1Mn/0.9Zn shows no toxicity toward normal cell lines and no dark toxicity.
Described is the creation, deployment, and evaluation of a video
produced about the synthesis and applications of metal–organic
frameworks (MOFs). The goal of this project was to gauge the impact
of viewing the video on high school students’ conceptions of
authentic chemistry practices and applications. Additionally, comparisons
were made between the use of the video and more traditional face-to-face
presentations given by professional scientists. Observations, student
surveys, and an interview with the high school chemistry teacher demonstrated
the utility of such a video. Specifically, the students who viewed
the video reported learning more about the nature of laboratory work
in chemistry than other students who did not view the video. Students,
regardless of whether they viewed the video or just received a presentation,
reported growth in understandings of the applications of chemistry
research and porous nanomaterial. Other research chemists are encouraged
to consider ways that they could document on video the research that
they are performing in order to introduce an untapped audience (high
school students) to authentic chemistry research in a practically
simple manner. During times of crisis, such as a pandemic, online
videos could be a useful tool for high school chemistry teachers to
use in collaboration with research faculty, particularly when schools
are closed.
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