Metal–Organic Frameworks and Covalent Organic Frameworks as Platforms for Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

We describe the newest approach to photodynamic therapy (PDT) using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). PDT’s characteristic method of treating cancer as noninvasive and selective has garnered much attention. PDT has entered the realm of nanotechnology to overcome various challenges that are hindering its effectiveness. Porous materials, which are more functional than small molecules, are being explored as platforms for PDT. MOFs are at the forefront of these investigations, and the anti-tumor ability of well-designed nano-MOFs (nMOFs) has recently been reported. We also discuss the possibility of using COFs for future-use PDT.

Keywords:

• photodynamic therapy
• photosensitizer
• cancer
• porphyrin
• metal–organic framework
• covalent organic framework
• targeting
• theranostic effect
• two-photon-excitation
• pH response
• heavy atom effect
• metal toxicity

Acknowledgment

The authors are grateful to Dr. Arno Wiehe, Joshua Phipps, and Joseph Duffield for helpful discussions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

M. H. B. gratefully acknowledges the financial support through the startup funds from the University of Arkansas.