In depth analysis of the in vivo toxicity of nanoparticles of porous iron(iii) metal–organic frameworks

In vivo acute toxicity of high doses of nanoparticles of three different porous iron(iii) carboxylate Metal–Organic Frameworks (nanoMOFs) was intravenously investigated in rats by evaluating their distribution, metabolism and excretion. All studied parameters (serum, enzymatic, histological, etc.) are in agreement with a low acute toxicity. The mechanism of degradation and excretion of the nanoMOFs has been evidenced and shows that the nanoparticles are rapidly sequestered by the liver and spleen, then further biodegraded and directly eliminated in urine or feces without metabolization and substantial toxicity. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.