Coordination Bond-Based Nanosystems for Manipulating Niche Framework in Biomedical Applications

The extensive connectivity between organic ligands and inorganic metal ions enables precise design and physicochemical modification of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for various applications. The metal-based counterparts, nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (nMOFs), are among advanced classes of hybrid nanoparticles, with the fundamental characteristics of pristine MOFs and nanoscale dimensions that enhance their potential for clinical applications. The distinct structure, pore size tunability, easy surface functionalization, large surface area, and porosity enable loading of various therapeutic and imaging agents. In addition, nMOFs demonstrate biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and the relatively labile metal–ligand bonds impart biodegradability. Owing to such excellent properties, nMOFs exhibits biomedically relevant applications as therapeutic cargoes, bioimaging, biosensing and biocatalysts agents. This article elucidates the advantages of nMOFs over other existing nanocarriers (e.g., organic and inorganic) and focuses on new insights of synthesis, design strategies with surface modification techniques for hybrid material development. The biomedical applications with futuristic approach are discussed with relevant examples in detail to inspire further exploration of nMOFs as biomedically relevant agents with great market potential in biomedical sciences.