Metal-organic frameworks for drug delivery

Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of advanced, structurally diverse materials comprised of inorganic and organic components. The high porosity, large internal surface area, and thermal and chemical stability of these frameworks make them ideal candidates for biomedical applications, in particular for on-demand drug delivery. The design of MOFs for biomedical applications using Zinc Imidazolate Frameworks 8 (ZIF-8) requires a thorough understanding of the effects of this compound on biological tissue. Toxicity assessment of MOFs is initially performed in vitro, with mouse and human cells. Following these in vitro tests, in vivo assessment of MOFs is critical to understand the biodistribution and the pharmacokinetics of these new formulations once administered in the body.