Multifunctional nanoscale metal-organic frameworks-polymer composites for biomedical applications

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging class of materials with unique properties such as extensive surface area, good stability, and high porosity, which facilitate their deployment in various fields of science, including nanomedicine. Numerous strategies have been proposed for designing nanoscale MOF-polymer composites with tailored properties. Polymers can be incorporated inside and outside of the MOF pores to prepare such composites. Polymers are directly grafted to the MOF wall via covalent linkages or physical coordination with the host. Though MOFs are associated with drawbacks like unrestrained liberation, placing of biomolecules/drugs, and less resilience under various physical conditions, a set of advantageous attributes have also been noticed, such as tuning capability and pore size of undecorated MOFs. Novel strategies have been developed to improve MOFs' functioning for bio-imaging, cancer treatment, and drug delivery. For this, the introduction of polymers has proved helpful in expanding the functionalities and diversities of MOFs. Owing to the benefits like a controlled release of drugs in response to extrinsic stimuli, boosted inclination towards targeted cells, intensified MOF durability, and increased biocompatibility, MOF-polymer composites are excellent sources of helpful implementation in the biomedical field. This study provides insight into the synthesis and performance of MOF-polymer composite as a novel candidate in the biomedical sector.