In depth analysis of the in vivo toxicity of nanoparticles of porous iron(iii) metal-organic frameworksElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental procedures (antioxidant, enzymatic and biochemical parameters) as well as histological and biodistribution data. See DOI: 10.1039/c3sc22116d

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. Porous iron nanoMOFs are rapidly sequestered by the liver and spleen, then biodegraded and directly removed in urine or feces.