Metal-organic frameworks in sample preparation for clinical applications - A review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Sample preparation is a key challenge in clinical analysis due to complex biological matrices.
• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising extraction materials due to their high surface area and tunable properties.
• Current research often uses established MOFs, with limited understanding of MOF features for specific clinical analyses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide insights into selecting MOF-based extraction phases for clinical analysis.
• To discuss the influence of MOF properties on analyte selectivity.
• To address challenges in MOF implementation for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of MOF properties (metal center, ligand, functionalization, porosity).
• Discussion of MOF interactions with analytes (e.g., host-guest, size exclusion).
• Consideration of clinical analysis requirements (sample matrix, conventional phases, extraction techniques).

Main Results:

• MOF properties like metal center, ligand, surface functionalization, and porosity significantly enhance analyte selectivity.
• Different interactions and size-exclusion mechanisms contribute to MOF selectivity.
• Oversights in sorbent design and method development for clinical analysis are identified.

Conclusions:

• MOF selection should consider analyte physicochemical properties, MOF characteristics, and potential interactions.
• Addressing challenges in MOF implementation is crucial for improving clinical analysis design and method development.
• Optimizing MOF-based extraction phases can advance clinical translation efforts.