A reliable QSPR model for predicting drug release rate from metal-organic frameworks: a simple and robust drug delivery approach

During the drug release process, the drug is transferred from the starting point in the drug delivery system to the surface, and then to the release medium. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) potentially have unique features to be utilized as promising carriers for drug delivery, due to their suitable pore size, high surface area, and structural flexibility. The loading and release of various therapeutic drugs through the MOFs are effectively accomplished due to their tunable inorganic clusters and organic ligands. Since the drug release rate percentage (RES%) is a significant concern, a quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) method was applied to achieve an accurate model predicting the drug release rate from MOFs. Structure-based descriptors, including the number of nitrogen and oxygen atoms, along with two other adjusted descriptors, were applied for obtaining the best multilinear regression (BMLR) model. Drug release rates from 67 MOFs were applied to provide a precise model. The coefficients of determination (R2) for the training and test sets obtained were both 0.9999. The root mean square error for prediction (RMSEP) of the RES% values for the training and test sets were 0.006 and 0.005, respectively. To examine the precision of the model, external validation was performed through a set of new observations, which demonstrated that the model works to a satisfactory degree.

A series of Mg–Zn heterometallic coordination polymers: synthesis, characterization, and fluorescence sensing for Fe3+, CS2, and nitroaromatic compounds

Herein, three luminescent Mg–Zn coordination polymers were constructed, which demonstrated high fluorescence sensing of Fe³⁺, CS₂, and nitro explosive compounds.

A hydrostable anionic zinc-organic framework carrier with a bcu topology for drug delivery

A hydrostable anionic zinc-organic open framework with a bcu topology was synthesized based on 2,5-furandicarboxylate ligand by a solvothermal process and exhibited a 17.2 wt% 5-fluorouracil payload, constituting a negligible cytotoxicity effect.

Outstanding drug loading capacity by water stable microporous MOF: a potential drug carrier

A robust, highly water stable, microporous MOF, [Zn₈(O)₂(CDDB)₆(DMF)₄(H₂O)] {where CDDB = 4,4′-(9-H carbazole-3,6-diyl)dibenzoic acid}, was synthesized based on an open N–H site by a solvothermal process and exhibited an outstanding loading capacity and satisfactory release capability for 5-fluorouracil, with a negligible cytotoxicity effect.

Eco-friendly microwave synthesis of Mg(ii) phenoxy carboxylic acid coordination compounds with specific motifs driven by multiple hydrogen bonding

Four magnesium complexes with specific motifs driven by multiple hydrogen bonding were synthesized by microwave method. The design strategy presented here gave an insight into the further structural prediction of magnesium supramolecular assemblies.

A biocompatible porous Mg-gallate metal–organic framework as an antioxidant carrier

The slow release of gallic acid from a biocompatible porous MOF lead to a strong antioxidant activity.

A pillar-layer MOF for detection of small molecule acetone and metal ions in dilute solution

A pillared-layer MOFs as luminescent probes has been covered which can be used to detect metal ions and small molecules. The results exhibit that its luminescent intensity is highly sensitive to Ni²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions and acetone molecules.

Unexpected crystallization of the metastable tubular coordination polymer of cucurbit[6]uril with magnesium ions which spontaneously transforms into a discrete coordination complex

We report on the kinetic crystallization of the tubular coordination polymer constructed from cucurbit[6]uril and magnesium ions. The metastable phase spontaneously converts into a thermodynamically favored discrete coordination complex.

Metal-organic frameworks as potential drug delivery systems

INTRODUCTION

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a unique class of hybrid porous solids based on metals and organic linkers. Compared to traditional porous materials, they possess predominance of large surface areas, tunable pore size and shape, adjustable composition and functionalized pore surface, which enable them unique advantages and promises for applications in adsorption and release of therapeutic agents.

AREAS COVERED

This review addresses MOFs as a new avenue for drug delivery and exhibits their ability to efficiently deliver various kinds of therapeutic agents. It also details the requirements that MOFs need to satisfy for biomedical application, such as toxicological compatibility, stability, particle size, and surface modification. In addition, several approaches used to enhance encapsulation efficiency are summarized and parameters influencing delivery efficiency are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Benefiting from the unique advantages of MOFs materials, efficient delivery of various kinds of drugs has been achieved in some MOF materials. However, it is only the outset of MOFs in drug delivery system, and numerous work need to be done before clinical applications, for example, studying their in vivo toxicity, exploring degradation mechanisms so as to establish real stability of MOFs in body's liquid, providing appropriated surface modification avenue for MOFs, and researching in vivo efficiency and pharmacokinetics of drug-loaded MOFs.