Guowen Li, Nuno Basílio, Zhenzhen Xu*

Coordination Chemistry Reviews；2026

Abstract:

The rapid development of food science has driven the emergence and widespread application of advanced materials in food-related fields. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a novel class of crystalline materials assembled through coordination interactions featuring large surface area, tunable structure and customizable surface functionalities. These characteristics enable the rational modification and functionalization toward specific purpose, thereby enhancing their adaptability to complex food matrices and broadening their application scope. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of modification strategies of MOFs in food-related fields from a structural perspective, with particular emphasis on the emerging advances of artificial intelligenceassisted approaches in MOF modification and design. From the perspective of the food supply chain, the frontier applications of MOFs in food processing, quality control, and nutrition are also summarized. In addition, the current challenges associated with the applications of MOFs in the food are critically discussed, and reasonable perspectives for future development are proposed. Overall, this review highlights the critical importance of rational modification strategies for the practical application of MOFs in food systems and provides a comprehensive overview of their roles throughout the food supply chain. On this basis, this work aims to stimulate the exploration of novel design and modification strategies to enable the practical implementation of MOFs in broader food-related fields.