Molecular Nanocapsules of unprecedented shape and size for drug delivery

Innovation: Inventors at the University of Missouri have developed stable metal-seamed nanocapsules that have an unprecedented stoichiometry, shape and size, such that the internal volume is large and is completely isolated from the exterior of the capsule. The nanocapsule is designed for pharmaceutical delivery, but has potential in a variety of additional applications.

Background: The emergence of metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) as functional ultrahigh surface area materials is one of the most exciting recent developments in solid-state chemistry. Useful properties such as large internal surface areas, ultralow densities, and the availability of uniformly structured cavities and portals of molecular dimensions describe useful MOFs. Another attractive feature is the simplicity of their synthesis. However, issues such as their toxicity, degradability, and formulation limit their practical use in drug delivery. The current invention bypasses these limitations and provides a non-toxic, stable and easily synthesized nanocapsule.