Metal–organic frameworks for the generation of reactive oxygen species

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen, which are naturally generated and play essential roles in biological processes. At the same time, ROS are the basis of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which can be used for multiple applications of industrial interest, including water treatment and organic synthesis. Additionally, anti-cancer therapies that involve the targeted production of ROS in cancerous cells have shown promising results in vitro and in vivo by promoting oxidative stress and, hence, cell death. However, up to this day, the development of catalysts and systems that are, at the same time, easily synthesized, low-cost, nontoxic, and highly effective remains a challenge. With that in mind, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a relatively new class of coordination polymers, may display all these characteristics and many others, including tunable structure, extensive porosity, and high surface areas. Because of that, the design and synthesis of MOFs and MOF-based materials for the generation of ROS has garnered attention in recent years. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the development and use of MOFs or MOF-based materials as catalysts in AOPs and biological systems through the generation of ROS, shining light on promising results and future research directions.