Work

Metal-organic and covalent organic frameworks for precision drug delivery: a precision-by-design evidence framework for biologically accountable nanomedicine

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Introduction: Metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks offer a rare opportunity to design drug carriers from molecular building blocks upward. Yet high loading capacity and stimulus-responsive release alone do not constitute precision delivery. Methods: We critically synthesized evidence on MOF and COF pore-level cargo interactions, framework and surface engineering, endogenous and externally triggered release, active targeting, biomimetic coatings, nanozyme activity and theranostic integration. Precision delivery was decomposed into five evidence-qualified dimensions: material, spatial, temporal, mechanistic and translational precision. Results: The evidence supports the complementary strengths of the two families across small-molecule, protein, nucleic-acid, gas and catalytic therapies. Direct evidence is strongest for individual component technologies, selected antibody-targeted systems and two-component hybrids. Recurrent evidence gaps include incomplete particle characterization in biological media, reliance on total-tissue accumulation rather than cell-specific delivery, and insufficient separation of carrier degradation from drug release. Discussion: A framework becomes precise only when it maintains a defined material identity, reaches a biologically justified compartment, releases an active payload at the intended place and time, and does so with measurable improvements in exposure, efficacy and safety. This requires a precision-by-design framework that maps claims to minimum evidence and links material critical quality attributes to biological mechanisms, translational assays and development decisions.

Source: Frontiers in Drug Delivery

DOI: 10.3389/fddev.2026.1970554

Authors: Xinwei Li, Haonan Zhang, Ruidong Ding, Feng Wang

Institutions: Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis and Applications

Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353