Hydrophilic\nMetal–Organic Frameworks Regulated\nby Biomineralized Protein for Enhanced Stability and Drug Delivery

For bridging the gap between biological and synthetic\nmaterials,\nthe fusion of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with biological\nentities has emerged as a revolutionary strategy in functional materials.\nIn this context, our study introduces a novel structure wherein Bovine\nSerum Albumin (BSA), a robust and versatile protein, encapsulates\nzeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), forming a protein-caged\nMOF. Highlighting the advantages of this innovative design, the protein-encapsulation\nenhances the stability and dispersity of ZIF-8, and aids in the synthesis\nof smaller-sized nanoparticles, crucial for size-impact performance\napplications. Additionally, the BSA-caged ZIF-8 structure showcases\npotential in drug delivery applications, especially in the controlled\ndelivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. The study thus elucidates the\nmultifaceted applicability of this novel structure, marking a significant\nstride in the convergence of biological and synthetic materials.