Converging chemistry and clinical orthopedics in the emerging role of MOFs in advanced bone defect repair

In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention in regenerative medicine due to their exceptional structural tunability, high surface-to-volume ratios, and controllable porosity.This review systematically outlines the versatile functions of MOFs in bone defect repair, including their use as sustained ion release systems for osteogenic metal ions (e.g., Sr 2+ , Zn 2+ , Mg 2+ , or Cu 2+ ), nanocarriers for controlled delivery of biomolecules (e.g., growth factors, drugs, or genes), and functional components within composite scaffolds to enhance mechanical and biological properties.Moreover, MOFs exhibit inherent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are also important for bone defect repair.We critically discuss current challenges, including biostability, degradation kinetics, and long-term biosafety, and highlight perspectives on future directions, including the design and development of the smart, stimuli-responsive MOF systems for bone defect repair.