Controlled Transdermal Release of Antioxidant Ferulate by a Porous Sc(III) MOF
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Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Surface Functionalization of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Improved Moisture Resistance
Published on: September 5, 2018
Génesis Osorio-Toribio1, Miriam de J Velásquez-Hernández2, Paulo G M Mileo3
1Laboratorio de Fisicoquímica y Reactividad de Superficies (LaFReS), Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
Abstract:
The Sc(III) MOF-type MFM-300(Sc) is demonstrated in this study to be stable under physiological conditions (PBS), biocompatible (to human skin cells), and an efficient drug carrier for the long-term controlled release (through human skin) of antioxidant ferulate. MFM-300(Sc) also preserves the antioxidant pharmacological effects of ferulate while enhancing the bio-preservation of dermal skin fibroblasts, during the delivery process. These discoveries pave the way toward the extended use of Sc(III)-based MOFs as drug delivery systems (DDSs).
Insights
This study shows Sc(III)-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are stable and biocompatible drug carriers. MFM-300(Sc) effectively delivers ferulate for long-term skin antioxidant therapy.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer tunable properties for drug delivery applications.
- Scandium(III)-based MOFs are emerging materials with potential for biomedical use.
- Controlled release of antioxidants like ferulate is crucial for skin health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the stability, biocompatibility, and drug delivery capabilities of the Sc(III) MOF, MFM-300(Sc).
- To investigate the long-term, controlled release of ferulate through human skin using MFM-300(Sc).
- To assess the preservation of ferulate's antioxidant effects and its impact on skin cell viability during delivery.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of MFM-300(Sc).
- Assessment of MFM-300(Sc) stability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS).
- In vitro biocompatibility testing with human skin cells.
- In vitro drug release studies through human skin models.
- Evaluation of ferulate's antioxidant activity and cell bio-preservation.
Main Results:
- MFM-300(Sc) demonstrated stability under physiological conditions (PBS).
- The MOF exhibited biocompatibility with human skin cells.
- MFM-300(Sc) facilitated long-term, controlled release of ferulate through human skin.
- Ferulate's antioxidant properties were preserved, and skin fibroblast bio-preservation was enhanced.
Conclusions:
- Sc(III)-based MOFs, specifically MFM-300(Sc), are suitable for drug delivery systems (DDSs).
- MFM-300(Sc) enables effective, long-term transdermal delivery of ferulate while maintaining its therapeutic benefits.
- This research supports the future development of Sc(III)-based MOFs for advanced dermatological therapies.

