Metal-organic frameworks integrated into carbohydrate polymers as promising platforms for tissue engineering

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and the integration of carbohydrate polymers have opened novel avenues for achieving cutting-edge platforms for advancing tissue engineering. The well-known properties of MOFs originate from their intrinsic characteristics, which enable them to play key roles after amalgamation with other compounds. Fabricated composites are armed with the merits of all ingredients; in addition, their physicochemical weaknesses and drawbacks can also be alleviated. The present work attempted to comprehensively study the structural complexities, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of carbohydrate polymers, MOFs, and their composites (MOF@carbohydrate-polymer). In addition, the fabrication strategies and interaction dynamics of the MOF@carbohydrate-polymer composites were meticulously dissected. The cytotoxicities of these compounds and their composites are thoroughly discussed, providing pivotal insights into their biocompatibility and safety metrics. Navigating throughout the tissue engineering multifaceted terrain, this study delineated MOF@carbohydrate-polymer composite transformative potential across different niches such as neurogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic tissue engineering, in addition to wound healing modalities. Finally, prevalent challenges and future perspectives that propel the MOF@carbohydrate-polymer composite trajectory regarding its use in tissue engineering are discussed. The primary aim of this comprehensive review is to provide an insightful perspective on the design and merits of MOF@carbohydrate-polymer integration. This study explored interaction types, methods of integration, and their applications in the field of tissue engineering. Further scholarly innovations and revealing the potential of the MOF@carbohydrate-polymer for redefining tissue engineering methodology were also sought.