Biomineralization of Bacteria by a Metal–Organic Framework for Therapeutic Delivery

Abstract Biomimetic mineralization of live organisms shows extraordinary promise in biotechnology. However, their therapeutic applications have been insufficiently explored. Herein, it is demonstrated that metal–organic framework (MOF)‐engineered bacteria are powerful carriers for tumor‐targeted therapeutic delivery. Specifically, Escherichia coli (MG1655) is coated with a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 layer coloaded with a photosensitizer and chemical drug through a one‐step in situ method. The as‐prepared bacteria@MOF hybrid preserves its viability and tumor selectivity. It exhibits high therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo in a combined chemo‐photodynamic manner. To the best of knowledge, this is the first report of engineered bacteria@MOFs for in vivo tumor treatment. This study opens a new horizon for the bioapplications of biomineralized organisms and may provide novel strategies against tumors.