Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIF-8) for Biomedical Applications: A Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) are versatile materials with straightforward synthesis under mild conditions.
• ZIF-8 facilitates the biomineralization of biomolecules and biological cells, enhancing their stability and functionality.
• Bioinspiration has significantly improved ZIF-8's properties for advanced biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in ZIF-8 for diverse biomedical applications.
• To explore the potential of ZIF-8 in cancer therapy, antimicrobial strategies, biosensing, and biocatalysis.
• To discuss the protective role of ZIF-8 for biomolecules and its associated risks and challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ZIF-8 synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications.
• Analysis of ZIF-8's role in drug delivery, photothermal/photodynamic/chemodynamic therapy, gene therapy, and starvation therapy.
• Evaluation of ZIF-8's efficacy in antimicrobial applications, biosensing, and enzyme biocatalysis.

Main Results:

• ZIF-8-based materials show promise in various cancer therapies, including drug delivery and PTT/PDT/CDT.
• Encapsulated antibacterial agents in ZIF-8 exhibit enhanced biological activity.
• ZIF-8 enhances selectivity and sensitivity in biosensing and provides robust biocatalysis for enzymes.

Conclusions:

• ZIF-8 serves as a protective host for enzymes, proteins, and drugs against degradation.
• ZIF-8 demonstrates significant potential across a spectrum of biomedical applications.
• Further research is needed to address the risks and challenges associated with ZIF-8's clinical translation.