Single Nano-Sized Metal–Organic Framework for Bio-Nanoarchitectonics with In Vivo Fluorescence Imaging and Chemo-Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

Theranostics is an emerging technique for cancer treatments due to its safety and high efficiency. However, the stability, efficiency, and convenience of preparation are the main challenges for developing theranostics. Here we describe a one-pot process for biocompatible metal–organic framework (MOF)-based theranostics. The ligand H2L designed for the MOF enables both red fluorescence emission and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The frame and regular channel structure of H2L-MOF empower the theranostics with good drug delivery performance, and the uniform and nano-sized particles facilitate the in vivo imaging/therapy applications. In vivo fluorescence imaging and in vitro chemo-photodynamic therapy were achieved with the MOF without any further modification. Our results reveal an effective strategy to achieve multifunctional theranostics by the synergistic action of the organic ligand, metal node, and channel structure of MOF nanoparticles.

Recent progress and challenges of MOF-based nanocomposites in bioimaging, biosensing and biocarriers for drug delivery

“…For example, Wang et al 72 utilized Zr 4+ and H 2 L as organic ligands to create MOFs with near-infrared fluorescence properties capable of producing singlet oxygen. The study focused on detecting liver tumors in mice by injecting MOFs into the body and observing the resulting fluorescence images.…”

Application of MOF-based nanotherapeutics in light-mediated cancer diagnosis and therapy

“…Associating MOFs with fluorescent dyes, PSs or fluorescent drugs is an effective way to broaden the spectral range of MOFs [ 78 ]. In addition, this strategy is also very effective in preventing aggregation-induced quenching and achieving consistent luminescence characteristics under harsh conditions through the confinement effect within the pores of the MOFs, thus improving the photoluminescence performance and efficiency of the fluorescent species [ 79 ]. As an example, Liu group demonstrated the incorporation of Rhodamine B (RhB) that serves as a fluorescent imaging agent within the framework of MIL-53(Al)-NH 2 by a one-step approach when using RhB as aqueous solution [ 80 ].…”

Humidity Sensors Based on Metal–Organic Frameworks

“…Fluorescent MOFs are an important sub−category of MOFs [ 112 , 113 ], and have been widely used in chemical sensing [ 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 ]. The rational selection of metal centers and ligands is necessary when constructing fluorescent MOFs for humidity sensing.…”