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We have proposed a metal-organic framework (MOF), NH₂-MIL-88(Fe), as a novel carrier for topical drug delivery to the eye. The NH₂-MIL-88(Fe) particles were prepared via a solvothermal synthesis method and their structure was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, electron microscopy, and N₂ adsorption-desorption measurements. When brimonidine, an anti-glaucoma medicine, was encapsulated into NH₂-MIL(Fe)-88 (i.e., NH₂-MIL-88(Fe)/Br), the drug was loaded at 121.3 µg/mg and released in a sustained manner for up to 12 h. The NH₂-MIL-88(Fe)/Br exhibited mucoadhesive properties and remained on rabbit eyes for a period of up to 4 h. Consequently, a high concentration of brimonidine was found in tears for a prolonged period after the administration of NH₂-MIL-88(Fe)/Br, which resulted in a greater than two-fold increase in drug …