Metal–Organic Framework Nanocomposites in Conquering Hypoxia for Tumor Therapy

Abstract

Hypoxia, as a distinctive feature of tumors, is closely related to tumor recurrence, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Metal–organic framework (MOF) exhibits an increasing number of advantages in cancer therapy owing to its porous structure, large specific surface area, and tunable function. The MOF nanocomposites constructed by adjusting components can effectively overcome tumor hypoxia and significantly enhance the anti‐tumor effect. In this review, the hypoxic characteristics of tumors and current strategies for constructing MOF nanocomposites that can overcome tumor hypoxia are summarized, including for delivering O2 or endogenously generating O2 to elevate intra‐tumor O2 content; inhibiting HIF‐1 and its induced products to alleviate tumor hypoxia; reducing cellular aerobic respiration to decrease cellular O2 consumption, and exacerbating hypoxia to improve the efficacy of hypoxia‐activated pre‐drugs. At the same time, the applications of MOF nanocomposites applied to overcome tumor hypoxia in different therapeutic methods at the present stage are described, and finally, the challenges and opportunities in further development of MOF nanocomposites are discussed.

GSH/pH dual-activated POM@MOF for tumor cell-specific synergistic photothermal and chemodynamic therapy

“…Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as a promising class of drug carriers due to their well-defined structure, tunable pore size, pH-responsiveness, and biodegradability. 29,30 A variety of POM@MOF materials have been reported in recent years, and the corresponding preparation approaches are well-established. 17,31 POMs residing in the MOF cavity avoid the ineffective encapsulation caused by the surface loading, and maintain a high stability of the POM structure.…”