Advances in surface functionalization of next-generation metal-organic frameworks for biomedical applications: Design, strategies, and prospects

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a potential platform for biomedical applications due to their highly tunable porosities, structural diversity, and multi-functionality. MOFs’ external surface modifications endow them with new properties and functions, such as hydrophilicity, colloidal stability, controlled payload release, specific targeted delivery, and biocompatibility. These attributes greatly improve the performance and use of MOFs for the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases. In this review, we aim to offer an up-to-date and comprehensive assessment of current advances in the development of surface functionalization of MOFs, from design to application. This review summarizes current surface engineering approaches, highlighting the representative examples of MOFs’ successful modifications for healthcare applications. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges and limitations of the field while highlighting foresighted ideas and future research directions.