Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)-based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Background: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as a new class of porous organic-inorganic crystalline hybrid materials that governed by the self-assembled of metal atoms and organic struts have attracted tremendous attention because of their special properties. Recently, some more documents have reported different types of nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) as biodegradable and physiological pH-responsive systems for photothermal therapy and radiation therapy in the body. Discussion: In this review paper aims at describing the benefits of using MOF nanoparticles in the field of biomedicine, and putting into perspective their properties in the context of the ones of other NPs. The first section briefly reviews the biomaterial scaffolds of MOFs. The second section presents the main types of stimuli-responsive mechanisms and strategies from two categories: intrinsic (pH, redox state) and extrinsic (temperature, light irradiation and magnetic field) ones. The combinations of photothermal therapy and radiation therapy have been concluded in detail. Finally, clinical applications of MOFs, future challenges and perspectives are also mentioned. Conclusion: This review outlines the most recent advances MOFs design and biomedical applications, from different synthesis to their use as smart drug delivery systems, bioimaging technology or a combination of both.