Biomimetic metal–organic frameworks for biological applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently demonstrated multiple advantages regarding high porosity, crystallinity, and structural diversity, which favor imitation of bioactive agents with unique features to meet biological demands. Thereinto, by emulating or integrating biostructures with unique targeting abilities, MOFs have emerged as bioinspired vectors for targeted drug delivery. MOFs with abundant active catalytic sites or cavities constitute viable candidates for mimicking or immobilizing natural enzymes to realize efficient biocatalysis. Following the introduction of reactive biological agents or responsive bioinspired ligands and metal ions into their structures, MOFs can be endowed with stimulation responsiveness to detect target molecules for biosensing. Finally, we discuss challenges faced, insights, and future directions associated with bioinspired MOFs as biomedical, biocatalytic, or biosensing agents.