Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Metal-organic Frameworks
11:27

Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Metal-organic Frameworks

Published on: September 5, 2014

49.3K

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy: A Review

Sedigheh Hatami1, Khaled Chahrour2,3, Joelle El Fakhouri4

  • 1Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 26666, United Arab Emirates.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer advanced cancer therapy through novel drug delivery systems. This review guides researchers on utilizing MOFs for effective, targeted cancer treatments and controlled drug release.

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with conventional treatments facing limitations like side effects and drug resistance.
  • Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess unique properties such as high surface areas, tunable structures, and biodegradability, making them promising for cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review MOF-based drug delivery systems for cancer treatment in biomedical applications.
  • To provide a practical guide for researchers translating MOFs into effective cancer therapies.
  • To highlight the role of stimuli-responsive MOFs in advancing cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Discussion of various MOF synthesis methods relevant to drug delivery.
  • Analysis of different drug-loading strategies into MOFs.
  • Consideration of cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of MOF-based systems.

Main Results:

  • MOFs exhibit potential for enhanced drug delivery due to their unique physicochemical properties.
  • Stimuli-responsive MOFs show promise for targeted cancer therapy and controlled drug release.
  • Recent studies demonstrate the effectiveness of MOF-based systems in preclinical cancer models.

Conclusions:

  • MOFs represent a versatile platform for developing next-generation cancer therapies.
  • Understanding the chemistry-structure-property-application relationship is crucial for MOF development in oncology.
  • MOF-based drug delivery systems offer significant opportunities for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
cytotoxicitydrug loadingmetal–organic frameworksynthesis method

More Related Videos

A Technical Guide for Performing Spectroscopic Measurements on Metal-Organic Frameworks10:13

A Technical Guide for Performing Spectroscopic Measurements on Metal-Organic Frameworks

Published on: April 28, 2023

3.1K
Author Spotlight: Characterizing Porous Materials for Aiding the Development of Robust Metal-Organic Frameworks with Adsorption Behavior06:45

Author Spotlight: Characterizing Porous Materials for Aiding the Development of Robust Metal-Organic Frameworks with Adsorption Behavior

Published on: March 8, 2024

10.0K

Related Concept Videos

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems01:18

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) enable the controlled release of drugs across the skin into systemic circulation. They are particularly advantageous for drugs with short half-lives or narrow therapeutic indices, as they maintain consistent plasma concentrations and reduce the risk of subtherapeutic or toxic levels.TDDS are categorized into monolithic, reservoir, and mixed systems. Monolithic systems embed the drug in a polymer matrix, where diffusion governs release. Reservoir systems...
4
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems01:23

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
4
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems01:21

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
3
Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types01:27

Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types

Conventional oral drug products, termed immediate-release (IR) formulations, are engineered to promptly release their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) upon ingestion, typically in tablets or capsules. This rapid release often results in swift drug absorption and consequent pharmacodynamic effects, although the timing and intensity can vary depending on the drug's properties. Prodrugs within these formulations require metabolic conversion to activate their pharmacodynamic effects,...
2
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems01:26

Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems

Continuous-release drug delivery systems offer a strategic approach to maintaining therapeutic drug levels over extended periods following oral administration. By modulating the release rate of active pharmaceutical ingredients, these systems minimize fluctuations in plasma concentrations, which enhances clinical efficacy and reduces the need for frequent dosing. Such characteristics make them particularly advantageous in managing chronic diseases where patient adherence and stable drug...
2
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems01:11

Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems

Delayed-release drug delivery systems are specialized pharmaceutical formulations designed to postpone the release of active compounds until the drug reaches a specific region of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, typically the intestine. These systems are essential for drugs that may cause gastric irritation, are unstable in acidic environments, or need to exert therapeutic effects locally in the intestinal or colonic regions.The core feature of delayed-release systems is the use of enteric...
3