Surface-Modified Metal-Organic Frameworks for Nucleic Acid Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) lack improved surface area and pore diameter for enhanced binding to nucleic acids, limiting their effectiveness as nucleic acid delivery vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A novel MOF is surface-modified with specific compounds to increase its specific surface area and pore diameter, allowing better nucleic acid binding and stability as a delivery vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional metal-organic frameworks are used, then the basic structure and porosity are maintained, but the specific surface area and pore diameter are insufficient for effective nucleic acid binding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecific surface areaVSAvoidsurface modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes metal-organic frameworks with inherent porous structures as the base material, and further enhances the porosity through surface modification with cyclodextrin compounds. The modification introduces additional porous features on the MOF surface, increasing the overall specific surface area and pore diameter to improve nucleic acid binding capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material by combining metal-organic frameworks with cyclodextrin compounds through surface modification. This composite structure integrates the advantages of both materials: the crystalline porous structure of MOFs and the host-guest binding capability of cyclodextrins, resulting in enhanced surface area and pore diameter for improved nucleic acid delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Length of stationary object

If the pore diameter is increased to improve nucleic acid delivery, then the binding capacity is enhanced, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepore diameterVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality modification by attaching cyclodextrin compounds specifically to the surface of the MOF structure. This localized modification enlarges the pore diameter at the surface level where nucleic acid binding occurs, while the internal MOF crystal structure remains intact and maintains its structural stability. The modification is confined to specific regions rather than altering the entire framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where cyclodextrin compounds are positioned on the external surface of the MOF framework. The cyclodextrin molecules form a outer layer that provides enlarged pore openings for nucleic acid access, while the MOF core maintains its stable crystalline structure. This nested arrangement allows the smaller cyclodextrin units to be hosted by the larger MOF structure, combining stability with enhanced porosity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The modified MOF exhibits enhanced binding to nucleic acids and improved stability as a nucleic acid delivery vehicle, overcoming limitations of conventional MOFs.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention relates to a novel metal-organic framework surface-modified with a compound... wherein the metal-organic framework may be selected from the group consisting of an aluminum-based metal-organic framework, an iron-based metal-organic framework, a zirconium-based metal-organic framework

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoordination bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the surface-modified metal-organic framework produced by the method has an excellent effect of binding to a nucleic acid and thus may be used as a nucleic acid delivery vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4600249A1Novel metal-organic framework and preparation method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 MEDIARK INC
  • EP4600249A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4600249A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4600249A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) obtained by modifying the surface of a metal-organic framework, and a method for producing the same, wherein the novel surface-modified metal-organic framework has an increased specific surface area and a larger pore diameter compared to the metal-organic framework that has not been surface-modified. In addition, the surface-modified metal-organic framework produced by the method for producing a novel metal-organic framework according to the present invention has an excellent effect of binding to a nucleic acid and thus may be used as a nucleic acid delivery vehicle.