Recent progress in ZIF-polymer composites for advanced drug delivery applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a subclass of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), possess high porosity, chemical stability, and thermal characteristics.
• ZIFs exhibit excellent compatibility with polymers, facilitating the creation of ZIF-polymer composites.
• These composites offer significant advantages for drug delivery systems, including enhanced drug loading and controlled release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in ZIF-polymer composites for drug delivery applications.
• To explore the synthesis methods, advantages, and therapeutic applications of these materials.
• To discuss critical factors like stimuli-responsiveness, stability, and toxicity for future development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ZIF-polymer composites in drug delivery.
• Analysis of synthesis techniques including in situ synthesis, self-assembly, grafting, electrospinning, and microfluidic methods.
• Evaluation of applications across orthopedic, ocular, transdermal, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary drug delivery.

Main Results:

• ZIF-polymer composites demonstrate increased drug loading efficiency and controlled, sustained release.
• Targeted delivery capabilities are enhanced, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy.
• Diverse applications in various medical fields highlight the versatility of these materials.

Conclusions:

• ZIF-polymer composites represent a significant advancement in drug delivery platforms.
• These innovative materials offer promising alternatives to conventional therapeutic systems.
• Further research into stimuli-responsiveness, stability, and toxicity will optimize their clinical potential and improve patient care.