Polyhedral Metal-Organic Framework-Based Supraparticles from Assembly Mechanisms to Biomaterial Applications

The particle-to-particle orchestration can invariably transcend material stimuli up to multiple folds and mutate functionalities toward achievable outcomes. The merits of polyhedral metal-organic framework (p-MOF) particles have been extensively investigated in recent years, and it has been shown that p-MOF functionalities can be galvanized by the formation of their spatially organized supraparticles (SPs). Using p-MOF particles as primitive units can shape complex structural entities with modified and specific biological properties. In this review, we aim to provide a balanced perspective by highlighting the core aspects of the transformation of p-MOF particles to p-MOF SPs. We discuss the challenges in transforming p-MOF particles to SPs, such as interparticle interaction forces, pre- and post-synthetic modifications, tailored morphology, and co-dispersion with solvent effects. Furthermore, we outline the intrinsic properties of the p-MOF particles that exhibit coupling, spatial arrangement, and colocalization after SP casting. Taken together, we explain biofunctionalities and compatibilities associated with p-MOF particles to upgrade them into hybrid biocompatible p-MOF SPs. In conclusion, a viewpoint is provided for the applicability of p-MOF SPs as functional biomaterials in the fields of advanced drug delivery and tracking, powder technology, pharmaceuticals, and food sciences, collectively bringing many interdisciplinary research areas on common ground.