Recent development of metal–organic frameworks in wound healing: Current status and applications

Abstract

The skin serves as the primary barrier between the human body and the external environment and is therefore susceptible to damage from various factors. Due to their high porosity, flexible and tunable structure, large surface area, abundant binding sites, and excellent chemical and thermal stability, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) provide a new option for the treatment of skin wound healing. In the past decade, MOF–based therapeutics have made great achievements and therefore have a wide range of applications in biomedicine. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in metal–organic frameworks in wound healing and discusses their current research status and potential applications. We first summarize the mechanisms and latest applications of MOFs for wound healing. Specifically, the application of MOFs as antimicrobial agents by releasing antibacterial drugs to inhibit infections is discussed. Additionally, the potential of MOFs in promoting wound healing has been explored; for example, MOFs can serve as carriers for delivering therapeutic drugs and for promoting angiogenesis and synergistic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in wound treatment. Then, we discuss the biosafety of MOFs and further explore the applications of MOFs. Finally, based on our understanding of the field, challenges and prospects are proposed, hoping to provide a basic understanding of the future development of MOFs.