The metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) field has rapidly evolved as tremendous research has been conducted to discover new structures and study their structure-property relationships. However, studying MOFs as nanomaterials has not been much explored yet. Tunability of conventional nanomaterials can provide useful tools for unraveling the complex biological interactions as physical parameters of nanomaterials have shown to be strong determinants to cellular processes. Here we show targeted photodynamic therapy with size-controllable MOF-based nanoparticles. Size-controlled synthesis of porphyrinic Zr-MOFs were studied showing well-controlled size of nanoparticles with pure phase. Having confirmed, the size-dependent cell uptakes and ensuing photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy were then studied with MOF nanoparticles. Furthermore, an active targeting modality via surface modification on MOF showed enhanced PDT efficacy. The findings provide implications in the future design of a theranostic platform with MOF-based nanoparticles as well as exemplify that size-controlled MOF nanoparticles can serve as a useful tool for deciphering challenging biological interaction.

Targeted photodynamic therapy with size-controlled nanoscale MOFs

251st National Meeting (2016)

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