Porphyrinic metal-organic frameworks for biological applications

Porphyrins and their derivatives have been extensively applied in various fields owing to their photophysical and electrochemical properties. However, the drawbacks of self-aggregation and self-quenching in aqueous media limit their biological applications. Porphyrinic metal-organic frameworks (PMOFs) have attracted considerable attention because the introduction of porphyrins as organic linker into frameworks overcomes the limitations of free porphyrins. This review summarizes the strategies for the construction of PMOFs and their biological applications. The challenges and chances displayed by this class of emerging materials are also discussed.