Issue 2, 2022

Toxicity of metal–organic framework nanoparticles: from essential analyses to potential applications

Abstract

In the last two decades, the field of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has exploded, and MOF nanoparticles in particular are being investigated with increasing interest for various applications, including gas storage and separation, water harvesting, catalysis, energy conversion and storage, sensing, diagnosis, therapy, and theranostics. To further pave their way into real-world applications, and to push the synthesis of MOF nanoparticles that are ‘safe-and-sustainable-by-design’, this tutorial review aims to shed light on the importance of a systematic toxicity assessment. After clarifying and working out the most important terms and aspects from the field of nanotoxicity, the current state-of-the-art of in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies of MOF nanoparticles is evaluated. Moreover, the key aspects affecting the toxicity of MOF nanoparticles such as their chemical composition, their physico-chemical properties, including their colloidal and chemical stability, are discussed. We highlight the need of more targeted synthesis of MOF nanoparticles that are ‘safe-and-sustainable-by-design’, and their tailored hazard assessment in the context of their potential applications in order to tap the full potential of this versatile material class in the future.

Graphical abstract: Toxicity of metal–organic framework nanoparticles: from essential analyses to potential applications

Associated articles

Article information

Article type
Tutorial Review
Submitted
28 Sep 2021
First published
05 Jan 2022

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2022,51, 464-484

Toxicity of metal–organic framework nanoparticles: from essential analyses to potential applications

R. Ettlinger, U. Lächelt, R. Gref, P. Horcajada, T. Lammers, C. Serre, P. Couvreur, R. E. Morris and S. Wuttke, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2022, 51, 464 DOI: 10.1039/D1CS00918D

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements