Metal-organic frameworks for nutraceutical delivery: A futuristic perspective

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in conjunction with nutraceuticals exemplify the interdisciplinary nature of modern research, where materials science converges with the nutritional and health sciences to create innovative solutions. While MOFs find extensive applications in diverse industries, their utilization in the food industry, particularly the nutraceutical segment, is relatively naive. Recent efforts have focused on synthesizing novel MOFs utilizing biological materials, particularly cyclodextrin-based MOFs; imparting them with renewable, non-toxic, and edible properties. However, MOFs show promising potential, particularly in targeted delivery applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals. Accordingly, this review explores the related design, synthesis, and structural aspects, further introducing the range of emerging applications in nutraceutical delivery. Their unique capabilities are highlighted, and challenges that require attention are detailed as the research landscape progresses. Having demonstrated merits in the field of drug delivery, their scope with nutraceuticals, as detailed in this review article, is untapped yet promising. Overall, a significant number of scientific documents focus on cyclodextrin; however, further research is necessary, majorly focusing on material identification, synthesis and applications.