Polysaccharide based metal organic frameworks (polysaccharide–MOF): A review

The intriguing features and physico-chemical properties of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have captivated numerous researchers for its application in an array of fields as a hybrid material. This highly ordered porous material is constructed by self-assembling of different organic ligands and metal ions. However, organic building blocks of MOFs are derived from non-renewable petroleum feedstock which limits their application in biological sector due to inherent toxicity and non-biodegradability. Recently, polysaccharide based metal organic framework (polysaccharide–MOF) has emerged as a self-assembled highly ordered functional nanostructure. This fascinating class of MOFs confers biological compatibility and flexibility to emerging hybrid material due to incorporation of naturally occurring polysaccharide. Also, it has shown some outstanding and promising biological properties such as biocompatibility, biosafety, and bioavailability. In this review, the novel properties (such as structural flexibility, tailored porosity, and chemico-thermal stability) offered by specifically designed polysaccharide–MOF have been discussed. Further, an overview of highly crystalline nature and functional MOF derived from different polysaccharides such as cyclodextrin, cellulose, chitin, chitosan, etc. have been explained with recent state-of-the-art examples. In the end, the outlook and possible challenges regarding polysaccharide–MOFs are illustrated. The exceptional properties of polysaccharide–MOF are providing a new avenue to explore various applications in biological sciences.