Role of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in treating and diagnosing microbial infections

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-03, Vol.262 (Pt 1), p.130021-130021, Article 130021
• Main Authors: Paknia, Fatemeh, Roostaee, Maryam, Isaei, Elham, Mashhoori, Mahboobeh-Sadat, Sargazi, Ghasem, Barani, Mahmood, Amirbeigi, Alireza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Challenges; Metal-Organic Frameworks; Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs); Microbial infections; Porosity; Therapeutic agents; Treatment and diagnosis
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130021

This review article highlights the innovative role of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in addressing global healthcare challenges related to microbial infections. MOFs, comprised of metal nodes and organic ligands, offer unique properties that can be applied in the treatment and diagnosis of these infections. Traditional methods, such as antibiotics and conventional diagnostics, face issues such as antibiotic resistance and diagnostic limitations. MOFs, with their highly porous and customizable structure, can encapsulate and deliver therapeutic or diagnostic molecules precisely. Their large surface area and customizable pore structures allow for sensitive detection and selective recognition of microbial pathogens. They also show potential in delivering therapeutic agents to infection sites, enabling controlled release and possible synergistic effects. However, challenges like optimizing synthesis techniques, enhancing stability, and developing targeted delivery systems remain. Regulatory and safety considerations for clinical translation also need to be addressed. This review not only explores the potential of MOFs in treating and diagnosing microbial infections but also emphasizes their unique approach and discusses existing challenges and future directions. •Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) revolutionize infection diagnosis and treatment.•MOFs' porous structure enables precise pathogen detection and drug delivery.•MOFs offer an innovative approach to combat antibiotic resistance.•Challenges persist, from synthesis optimization to clinical translation.•Unlocking MOFs' potential in infection management requires addressing safety and regulatory concerns.