Porphyrinic Metal-Organic Frameworks for Biological Applications

Porphyrins and their derivatives have been extensively studied in various fields owing to their photophysical and electrochemical properties. However, the drawbacks of self-aggregation and self-quenching in aqueous media limit their biological applications. Porphyrinic metal-organic frameworks (PMOFs) have attracted considerable attention because the introduction of porphyrins as organic linker into MOF frameworks overcomes the limitations of free porphyrins. This review summarizes the construction of PMOFs from in situ synthesis and post-synthetic modification, and utilization of them in biological applications. Finally, the challenges and chances displayed by this class of emerging materials are discussed.