Coordination-driven design of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) architectures integrated with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for cancer therapy

Achieving precise localization of anticancer agents within malignant tissues remains a central obstacle in contemporary cancer therapy. In this context, drug delivery platforms are increasingly expected to combine siteselective cellular recognition, regulated release behavior, structural simplicity, and the capacity to accommodate diverse therapeutic functions. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) exhibit a strong affinity for and specific recognition of target molecules. They are known for their ease of synthesis, exceptional stability, and low cost. The metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), when used as substrates for MIPs, provide several advantages, including a large surface area, high porosity, and simplicity in both preparation and modification. By combining the benefits of these two materials, MOF/MIP composites offer high stability, exceptional selectivity, high specific surface area, and acceptable mass-transfer rates. Thus, MOF/MIP nano-carriers have attracted significant interest in cancer therapy; however, this area has been less addressed in reviews. This review investigates MOF/MIP drug delivery platforms for cancer therapy, categorizing them into three types based on the templates used in MIP synthesis: anticancer drugs as template, epitopes as template, and glycans/amino acids as template. This crucial characteristic in the synthesis of selective nano-carriers enables site-selective transport of anticancer agents toward malignant cells, while minimizing adverse effects in healthy tissues. Finally, practical guidelines have been proposed to enhance the synthesis and application of MOF/MIP drug carriers for cancer treatment, to encourage further research and development in this area.

Journal

COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS

Year

2026

Volume

557

ISSN

0010-8545

eISSN

1873-3840

DOI

10.1016/j.ccr.2026.217744

WoS UID

WOS:001699664800001