# Understanding Diffusion in a Single-Metal Organic Framework Crystal Used for Sensing Applications

## TL;DR

This paper studies how drug molecules diffuse in single metal-organic framework crystals, showing how size and shape affect sensing performance.

## Contribution

The study introduces a method for monitoring infusion and release dynamics in individual MOF crystals, highlighting the impact of crystal morphology.

## Key findings

- Crystal size and shape significantly influence infusion and diffusion processes.
- A histogram-based image processing algorithm enables automated tracking of diffusion.
- Results suggest the importance of crystal uniformity for reliable sensing applications.

## Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) stand out as remarkable materials renowned for their exceptionally high surface area and large number of pores, making them invaluable for diverse sensing applications including gas, biomedical, chemical, and optical sensing. Traditional methods of molecule infusion and release often involve a large number of crystals with varying shapes and sizes, leading to averaged outcomes across a heterogeneous crystal population. In this study, we present continuous monitoring of the infusion and release dynamics of model drug molecules, specifically vitamin B12, within individual Tb-mesoMOF crystals. Our findings underscore the critical influence of crystal size and shape on the infusion and diffusion processes and corresponding color change, underscoring the necessity to account for these factors in the design of large-scale systems. Leveraging optical microscopy, we employed a histogram-based algorithm for image processing, enabling automated tracking of diffusion phenomena. This investigation offers crucial insights into the dynamics of these processes, laying the groundwork for optimizing parameters in future sensing systems.