Mitigating Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) Toxicity for Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials with applications in gas storage, energy, and biomedicine.
• Their potential in drug delivery and imaging necessitates a thorough understanding of their biological safety.
• Despite extensive research, clinical translation of MOFs is hindered by the need for comprehensive toxicity evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review in vitro and in vivo studies on MOF biocompatibility.
• To discuss factors influencing MOF toxicity, including chemistry, size, and aggregation.
• To explore strategies for mitigating MOF toxicity for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Classification of MOFs based on chemical structures.
• Comprehensive evaluation of existing in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility studies.
• Analysis of nanoparticle (NP) toxicity mechanisms.
• Examination of surface modification and other strategies to reduce MOF toxicity.

Main Results:

• MOF toxicity is influenced by various physico-chemical properties.
• Understanding NP toxicity mechanisms provides insights into MOF-related risks.
• Surface modification is a key strategy for enhancing MOF biocompatibility.
• Numerous MOFs have been synthesized, but biological evaluation is critical.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed to optimize MOF properties for safe clinical use.
• Addressing toxicity challenges is crucial for advancing MOFs towards clinical trials.
• Strategies for mitigating toxicity are essential for realizing the biomedical potential of MOFs.