Metal Organic Frameworks: Synthesis, Characterization and DrugDelivery Applications

Abstract

Abstract: Since the last few years, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been attracting attention from scientific sororities. MOFs are novel porous materials with robust architectures that demonstrate a multitude of applications in theranostics. Interestingly, it shows adaptable porosity, versatile chemical configuration, tunable size and shape, tailorable surface functionalization, etc. MOFs have a very porous network space that makes it possible to efficiently pack drug payloads and different imaging markers. Nano-MOFs (NMOFs) are additionally biodegradable in nature due to the metalligand linkages and their greater labile-ness. The present review article provides insights into the fabrication of MOFs, especially different synthesis methodologies, along with merits and limitations. A thorough description of several characterization techniques of MOFs and underlying principles have also been depicted. Moreover, the role of MOFs as a promising nanocarrier for small molecules/ active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and biomolecule delivery has been deliberated along with their theranostic potential. In a nutshell, this review offers the most recent advancements in NMOFs for use in drug delivery applications. In line with this, MOF stands out as a versatile carriers compared to other nanomaterials due to the multitude of uses it has in drug delivery and theragnostic, emanating high hopes for its future clinical application.