Metal–Organic Frameworks Meet Polymers: From Synthesis Strategies to Healthcare Applications

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been at the forefront of nanotechnological research for the past decade owing to their high porosity, high surface area, diverse configurations, and controllable chemical structures. They are a rapidly developing class of nanomaterials that are predominantly applied in batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, sensors, drug delivery, gas separation, adsorption, and storage. However, the limited functions and unsatisfactory performance of MOFs resulting from their low chemical and mechanical stability hamper further development. Hybridizing MOFs with polymers is an excellent solution to these problems, because polymers—which are soft, flexible, malleable, and processable—can induce unique properties in the hybrids based on those of the two disparate components while retaining their individuality. This review highlights recent advances in the preparation of MOF–polymer nanomaterials. Furthermore, several applications wherein the incorporation of polymers enhances the MOF performance are discussed, such as anticancer therapy, bacterial elimination, imaging, therapeutics, protection from oxidative stress and inflammation, and environmental remediation. Finally, insights from the focus of existing research and design principles for mitigating future challenges are presented.

Magnetic Metal–Organic Framework-Based Nanoplatform with Platelet Membrane Coating as a Synergistic Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 Inhibitor against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of organic–inorganic porous materials constructed using metal centers and organic linkers, which may improve drug bioavailability and biodistribution. − The different polarities of Om and As make it significantly challenging for normal nanosystems to coload them with a high drug-loading capacity (DLC). Interestingly, MOFs have a highly adaptive internal environment for loading drugs with different polarities. − The large surface area and pore volume of MOFs facilitate the loading of Om and As with a high DLC.…”

From biomaterials to biotherapy: cuttlefish ink with protoporphyrin IX nanoconjugates for synergistic sonodynamic-photothermal therapy

“…Compared to groups (1) and ( 2), volumes of groups ( 3) and ( 4) were determined to be 3.4 and 2.6 times the initial volume, indicating a limited therapeutic effect with SDT or PTT alone. For group (5), the tumor volume was 0.7 times the initial volume, which was lower (8.5 times) than that in group (1), due to the synergistic SDT-PTT therapy effect of CIPs + US + NIR (Fig. 9c).…”

“…3 Moreover, the occurrence and development of tumors is complex, and currently no single treatment method entirely meets clinical needs. 2,4,5 Therefore, combined anticancer strategies exploring different therapeutic methods have shown overwhelming advantages over single therapeutic methods. 6,7 To date, various combinations of therapeutic strategies have emerged, such as SDT-PTT, 8,9 SDT-PDT, 10,11 PDT-PTT, 12,13 sonodynamic-chemodynamic therapy (SDT-CDT), 14,15 PDT-chemotherapy, 16,17 and SDT-chemotherapy.…”

Rational Design of Guanidinium-Based Bio-MCOF as a Multifunctional Nanocatalyst in Tumor Cells for Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy

“…As a result, there is considerable interest in developing CDT drugs with high efficiency and low toxicity, in which new porous frame materials such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their good designability. − Especially, using biocompatible organic compounds or their derivatives as ligands to construct biological MOFs or COFs can improve their biocompatibility and biosafety, which is essential for their application in cancer therapy. Recently, as the new porous material, the metal covalent organic framework (MCOF), draws on the design concept of MOFs and COFs and integrates the advantages of MOFs and COFs in one, which not only enriches the types of porous frame materials but also provides an opportunity for the rational design of CDT with good performance.…”