Quantum dots and conjugated metal-organic frameworks for targeted drug delivery and bioimaging of cancer

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and quantum dots (QDs) have numerous tunable properties that make them suitable for multifaceted applications in healthcare. Conjugating MOFs with different type of QDs can result in a hybrid with excellent properties in comparison to both individual components. QD@MOF conjugates benefit from properties of both components like higher stability of QDs and porous nature of MOFs. Several methods such as encapsulation, postsynthetic functionalization, one-pot synthesis, and MOF templating have been reported as successful techniques to fabricate these new hybrids with intended functions. The synergistic effects of MOFs with QDs are contributing to expansion of their use for wide applications. Besides applicability of MOFs to sensing, energy harvesting, and catalysis, the increased efficiency of these materials opens a new door to newer techniques in healthcare sector such as drug delivery and bioimaging.