Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as Advanced Functional Materials for Food Applications

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), also known as porous coordination polymers (PCPs), are advanced materials with tunable porosities, surface areas, and surface chemistries. These properties make MOFs suitable for various applications, including adsorption, sensing, catalysis, packaging, drug delivery, and gas storage. MOFs can be assembled from food-grade components, which makes them suitable for application in foods and food packaging materials. This review article begins by describing the fabrication, structure, and physicochemical characteristics of MOFs. Then, potential applications of MOFs in the food industry are discussed, including as adsorbents, sensors, packaging additives, delivery systems, and gas storage materials. Finally, safety and regulatory considerations related to the application of MOFs in foods are discussed.