Zinc metal–organic framework (Zn-MOF)

Zinc metal–organic frameworks (Zn-MOFs) are a family of crystalline porous materials composed of zinc ions/clusters coordinated to organic linker molecules, often carboxylates or nitrogen-containing heterocycles. They adopt highly tunable three-dimensional (or lower dimensional) architectures characterized by large, uniform cavities and channels. The zinc centers may be single ions or clusters (SBUs), with connectivity dictated by coordination chemistry, and framework properties dependent on both the metal and organic linker used. Zn-MOFs serve primarily as materials for applications such as gas storage/separation, catalysis, water purification, sensor development, and biomedical drug delivery. In drug delivery, Zn-MOFs can encapsulate and release medications or biomolecules in a controlled manner, with release modulated by pH or other triggers. Their high porosity and chemical tunability make them attractive for research, though challenges regarding biocompatibility, safety, and degradation must be addressed for clinical translation. No single zinc MOF is a biological target in the conventional sense; rather, these frameworks are engineered structures employed for material and biomedical applications.

Other names

Zinc MOFZn-MOFzinc-based metal–organic frameworkZn coordination polymerZn–MOFIRMOFMOF-5Zn ZIF

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