Selective organ deposition of nanoparticles directed by metal–organic network coatings

Despite significant advances in nanoengineering, developing a universal nanoparticle engineering strategy that enables tailored nanoparticle organ deposition post intravenous administration remains challenging. Here, we report a simple and modular strategy mediated by metal-organic network coatings composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG), proteins, phenolic ligands, and metal ions. The versatile binding affinity of phenolic ligands facilitates the formation of coatings on diverse nanoparticle platforms, including quantum dots, lipid, polymeric, inorganic, and metal-organic nanoparticles. The organ deposition selectivity of these coated nanoparticles is readily directed towards the kidney, lung, heart, and brain by varying the coating composition. Mechanistic studies reveal that the combined effect of PEG, phenolic ligands, and metal ions on the surface properties governs the overall biodistribution of the coated nanoparticles, while the protein component contributes to the coating integrity. This work provides a generalizable approach for developing an organ-targeting nanotechnology, with the potential to advance nanoparticle-mediated treatments and theranostics.