Recent advances of the core–shell MOFs in tumour therapy

Coordination chemistry has always been vital to explore the material prominence of metal–organic systems. The metal–organic chemistry plays a fundamental role in decisive structural features, which are accountable for tuning the properties of materials. Tumour therapy has become an important research field of medical treatment in the world. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted extensive interest in medical science research due to their large effective surface area, clear pore network, and critical catalytic performance. Compared with traditional MOF materials, MOF materials with core–shell structures have a higher loading rate and better stability, which can overcome a single function. They have been successfully used in tumour medical research and have excellent prospects for diagnosing and treating various tumours. The current review article thoroughly describes the various synthetic approaches for engineering core–shell MOF materials, the structural types, and the potential functional applications. We also discussed core–shell MOF materials for the various treatment of tumours, such as tumour chemotherapy, tumour phototherapy and tumour microenvironment anti-hypoxia therapy. In this paper, the synthesized procedures of core–shell MOFs and their applications for tumour treatment have been discussed, and their future research has prospected. The current improved strategies, challenges, and prospects are also presented because of the metal–organic chemistry governing the structural modification of core–shell MOFs for tumour therapy applications. Therefore, the present review article opens a new door for medicinal chemists to tune the structural features of the core–shell MOF materials to modulate tumour therapy with simple, low-cost materials for better human lives.