Nanoscale Metal-Organic Frameworks: Recent developments in synthesis, modifications and bioimaging applications

Abstract

Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as eye-catching materials in recent years. They are widely used in numerous fields of chemistry thanks to their desirable properties. MOFs have a key role in the development of bioimaging platforms that are hopefully expected to effectually pave the way for accurate and selective detection and diagnosis of abnormalities. Recently, many types of MOFs have been employed for detection of RNA, DNA, enzyme activity and small-biomolecules, as well as for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), which are valuable methods for clinical analysis. The optimal performance of the MOF in the bio-imaging field depends on the core structure, synthesis method and modifications processes. In this review, we have attempted to present crucial parameters for designing and achieving an efficient MOF as bioimaging platforms, and provide a roadmap for researchers in this field. Moreover, the influence of modifications/fractionalizations on MOFs performance has been thoroughly discussed and challenging problems have been extensively addressed. Consideration is mainly focused on the principal concepts and applications that have been achieved to modify and synthesize advanced MOFs for future applications.

Keywords: Bioimaging; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Metal-organic frameworks; Optical imaging; Positron-emission tomography.