Chemical stability of metal-organic frameworks for applications in drug delivery

Bunzen, H

Abstract

Structural variety, tunable porosity and opportunities for functionalization make metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) promising materials for applications in medicine as drug delivery systems. In this minireview, an overview of chemical stability of MOF nanocarriers at simulated body conditions is presented. Parameters such as a choice of buffer, pH value, nanoparticle size or surface modification are discussed, as well as analytical methods and approaches suitable to determine the material stability. Last but not least, examples of tuning and improving the chemical stability of MOF nanoparticles for solution-based drug delivery (oral and intravenous) are presented and examples of MOFs as pH-responsive drug nanocarriers are given.

Keywords: metal-organic framework; stability; drug delivery; nanomedicine; nanoparticles

Related products/services

Metal-organic Frameworks (MOFs) Materials

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a highly promising class of materials for drug delivery applications, owing to their unique structural properties and versatility. Composed of metal ions or clusters coordinated to organic ligands, MOFs exhibit an exceptionally high surface area, tunable pore sizes, and diverse chemical functionalities. These attributes allow MOFs to encapsulate a wide range of therapeutic agents, from small molecules to large biomolecules like proteins and nucleic acids. The porous structure of MOFs facilitates the loading of substantial amounts of drugs, while their tunable chemistry allows for controlled release profiles, improving the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy of the encapsulated drugs. Additionally, the surface of MOFs can be functionalized to target specific cells or tissues, enhancing the precision of drug delivery and minimizing off-target effects. This targeting capability is particularly beneficial in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, where MOFs can deliver chemotherapeutic agents directly to tumor cells, reducing systemic toxicity. Moreover, the biodegradability and biocompatibility of certain MOFs make them suitable for in vivo applications, minimizing adverse reactions. With ongoing research, MOFs continue to show great potential in overcoming the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems, paving the way for more effective and personalized medical treatments.