Abstract

The work described herein explores an emerging class of hybrid porous materials known as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), comprised of metal nodes bridged by organic linkers. This thesis explores the (i) sustainable synthesis and characterization of a series of structurally diverse MOFs, which include MOF-808, NU-1000, HKUST-1, and ZIF-8 using a green solvent alternative, STEPOSOL® MET-10U, (ii) the design, synthesis, and characterization of thiol-functionalized Zr6-based MOFs, Zr-UiO-66-(SH)2 and Zr-UiO-67-(SH)2, and (iii) the investigation of thiol-functionalized MOFs as an alternative platform for use in ophthalmic drug delivery applications, through assessing their mucoadhesive properties and drug loading capacity of flurbiprofen.

Chapter 2 explores the use of a plant-derived solvent, STEPOSOL® MET-10U, otherwise known as N,N-dimethyl-9-decenamide, for the synthesis and characterization of a diverse series of MOFs, MOF-808, NU-1000, HKUST-1 and ZIF-8, which are MOFs with different metal valency, varying metals nodes and organic linkers. The physical properties of the MOFs are assessed to verify that the materials are similar to those synthesized using the petroleum derived solvent N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and to verify the viability of the green solvent. Furthermore, synthesis of HKUST-1 on the gram-scale was performed using STEPOSOL® MET-10U to confirm that the method is scalable.

Chapter 3 delves into the synthesis and characterization of thiol-functionalized MOFs or thiolated MOFs, Zr-UiO-66-(SH)2 and Zr-UiO-67-(SH)2. These MOFs were chosen for this study as thiols are known to enhance mucoadhesive properties in drug delivery materials for biomedical applications. The mucoadhesive properties of Zr-UiO-66-(SH)2 and Zr-UiO-67-(SH)2 are presented with the goal of understanding their potential in ophthalmic drug delivery, in addition to verifying the drug loading capacity of these MOFs using a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, flurbiprofen.