Designing magnetic nanomofs for biomedicine: Current trends and applications

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown a great potential in biomedicine due to their promising applications in different fields, including drug delivery, thermometry, theranostics etc. In this context, the development of magnetic sub-micrometric or nanometric MOFs through miniaturization approaches of magnetic MOFs up to the nanoscale still represents a crucial step to fabricate biomedical probes, especially in the field of theranostic nanomedicine. Miniaturization processes have to be properly designed to tailor the size and shape of particles and to retain magnetic properties and high porosity in the same material, fundamental prerequisites to develop smart nanocarriers integrating simultaneously therapeutic and contrast agents for targeted chemotherapy or other specific clinical use. An overview of current trends on the design of magnetic nanoMOFs in the field of biomedicine, with particular emphasis on theranostics and bioimaging, is herein envisioned.