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 site-selective 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.