Nano metal-organic frameworks as a promising candidate for Biomedical applications

Abstract

Despite the exceptional properties of bulk metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), their nano-sized counterparts (known as NMOFs) are being increasingly investigated owing to a variety of emergent properties not seen in bulk, significantly enhancing their potential for biomedical applications. Their large surface area, high porosity, high drug loading capacity, unique physicochemical properties, and the ability to modify their external and internal surfaces with other biomolecules make them ideal candidates for delivery of biological payload for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. In this regard, this chapter briefly introduces the unique properties of NMOFs, the routes commonly employed for their synthesis and techniques to functionalize them with biomolecules such as DNA and peptides. Following this, we discuss the applications of these nano-materials from a biomedical perspective in drug delivery, tumor therapy, and bio-imaging. We conclude by discussing the major challenges that limit their widespread application and presenting our outlook towards the future of NMOFs.