Metal-Organic Frameworks for Natural Medicine Delivery: Stimuli-Responsive Strategies and Synergistic Cancer Therapy Applications

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as unique nanomaterials, have attracted considerable attention in the biomedical field particularly in drug delivery systems owing to their porous architectures and modifiable surface properties. Composed of metal ions and organic ligands, MOFs offer exceptional versatility. With the increasing depth of research into natural drugs, significant advances in their pharmacological properties have been achieved. However, various factors continue to limit the development of natural drugs, including insufficient bioavailability and inadequate biosafety. Meanwhile, research on drug loading onto nanomaterials has matured, and MOF-based drug delivery systems have demonstrated notable advantages, facilitating the implementation of diverse combination therapies. This review focuses on the application of MOFs in natural drug delivery systems, emphasizing the influence of endogenous and exogenous factors on the controlled release of drugs from MOF nanocarriers. Strategies and mechanisms for combination therapies based on MOF-loaded drugs are outlined, and biosafety considerations, as well as future directions for the development of metal-organic frameworks, are briefly summarized.