[Metal-Organic Frameworks: A New Class of Mesoporous Materials and Potential Possibilities of Their Use in Pharmaceutical Technology]

Polim Med. 2015 Jul-Dec;45(2):81-93. doi: 10.17219/pim/59591.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) belong to the new class of mesoporous, hybrid materials composed of metal ions and organic binding ligands. Their unique features: wide range of chemical building components, which enables obtaining biocompatible materials, and high surface area and loading capacity, make them promising drug delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents. The ability to tune their structures and porosities provides better adjustment for adsorbed drug molecule. Moreover, MOFs functionalized with ligands or antibodies can be used in cancer targeted therapy. Through the incorporation of paramagnetic metal ions into the structure, MOFs are suited to serve as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Combining drug delivery ability with imaging properties of MOFs indicates their potential use as theranostic agents and makes possible monitoring drug delivery within the body after administration in the real time. The aim of the present study is to characterize a new class of compounds and to present potential possibilities of their use as excipients in pharmaceutical technology .

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Organometallic Compounds*
  • Polymers*
  • Technology, Pharmaceutical*

Substances

  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Polymers