Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for the Delivery of Small-Molecule Therapeutics

Abstract

As cutting-edge porous materials, the properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are governed by their metal nodes and organic linkers, as well as the assembly mode of these subunits. This allows the loading capacity of MOFs for small-molecule drugs to be readily tailored by rationally adjusting their structures and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the introduction of additional functional groups into MOFs can enable the stimuli-responsive release of small-molecule drugs, thus rendering MOFs promising candidates for small-molecule drug delivery. With this perspective, we summarize the advances in the construction of MOF-based small-molecule drug delivery carriers and analyze the advantages and limitations of the various loading strategies for small-molecule drugs. We also introduce drug release mechanisms and their application for the targeted treatment of various human diseases. In particular, this perspective describes how the corresponding drug-loading strategies should be selected based on the inherent physicochemical properties of the small-molecule drugs and the specific biomedical application, in order to facilitate clinical translation.