The clinical potential and limitations of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in dentistry

Nanoparticles (NPs) are intentionally incorporated into dental products to enhance material quality. Recently, metal-organic framework (MOF) NPs have attracted significant attention owing to their unique characteristics absent in their larger-scale counterparts. These properties make MOFs suitable for various functional platforms. MOF-based nanomaterials exhibit high antibacterial potential, owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and safety for living organisms. They have also become a prominent component in the development of anticancer agents and in the manufacture of commercial medical products. Consequently, MOFs are becoming increasingly important in dentistry. They show promising therapeutic potential for inhibiting oral infectious diseases, such as those caused by bacterial plaque, and have a broad range of other biomedical applications, including the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases. However, significant challenges hinder their transition from laboratory testing to widespread clinical use in hospitals. Key issues include long-term toxicity and biocompatibility concerns, unpredictable pharmacokinetics that can lead to unintended accumulation in organs like the liver and spleen, and the potential for adverse immune reactions. Other major obstacles are particle aggregation in biological fluids, the complex formation of a "protein corona" that can alter the NPs' intended function, and the high cost of large-scale production under consistent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This article discusses MOFs and their potential applications in identifying cancer biomarkers and treating tooth infections and oral cancers. It highlights their unique porous features, which help combat oral biofilms and detect microorganisms. The summary also addresses the primary clinical challenges that must be addressed to ensure the safe development of MOF-based therapies.