Recent Progress in Nanoscale Covalent Organic Frameworks for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

Yao, SC; Liu, ZR; Li, LL

Abstract

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as a type of porous and crystalline covalent organic polymer are built up from covalently linked and periodically arranged organic molecules. Their precise assembly, well-defined coordination network, and tunable porosity endow COFs with diverse characteristics such as low density, high crystallinity, porous structure, and large specific-surface area, as well as versatile functions and active sites that can be tuned at molecular and atomic level. These unique properties make them excellent candidate materials for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, diagnostic imaging, and disease therapy. To realize these functions, the components, dimensions, and guest molecule loading into COFs have a great influence on their performance in various applications. In this review, we first introduce the influence of dimensions, building blocks, and synthetic conditions on the chemical stability, pore structure, and chemical interaction with guest molecules of COFs. Next, the applications of COFs in cancer diagnosis and therapy are summarized. Finally, some challenges for COFs in cancer therapy are noted and the problems to be solved in the future are proposed.

Keywords: Covalent organic frameworks; Nanomedicine; Drug delivery; Cancer diagnosis and therapy

Related products/services

Covalent Organic Framework (COF) Materials

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) represent a cutting-edge class of materials gaining significant attention in the field of cancer diagnosis and therapy. COFs are crystalline structures composed of organic molecules interconnected by strong covalent bonds, creating highly porous and customizable frameworks. Their unique structural properties, including large surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and functional versatility, make COFs particularly suited for biomedical applications. In cancer diagnosis, COFs can be engineered to host a variety of imaging agents, such as fluorescent dyes or contrast agents for MRI and CT scans. This allows for enhanced imaging capabilities, providing clearer and more accurate detection of cancerous tissues. The ability to modify COFs at the molecular level ensures that they can target specific biomarkers associated with cancer, improving the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic procedures. For cancer therapy, COFs offer a promising platform for drug delivery. Their porous nature allows them to encapsulate a wide range of therapeutic agents, including chemotherapy drugs, small molecules, and even genetic material like siRNA. By controlling the release of these agents directly at the tumor site, COFs can increase the efficacy of treatments while minimizing side effects. Additionally, the biocompatibility and degradability of COFs reduce the risk of long-term toxicity, making them a safer alternative to traditional drug delivery systems.