Metal organic framework coated vesicular nano-aggregates: an intelligent ‘vehicle’ for sustained and leakage proof release of doxorubicin

Abstract

Designing ‘smart’ nano carriers with high drug loading capacities and stimuli-responsive drug release behavior is crucial as they boost therapeutic efficiency while reducing side effects in patients and thereby ameliorate the limitations of traditional drug carriers. In this study, we created a ZIF-8 coated pH-responsive catanionic vesicular nano-aggregated drug delivery platform with high doxorubicin (DOX) loading capacity. The vesicular nano-aggregates were designed through synergistic interaction between the bile salt, sodium deoxycholate (NaDC), with a biocompatible ester-functionalized ionic liquid-based surfactant (ILBS), 4-methyl-4-(2-(dodecyloxy)carbonylmethyl)morpholin-4-ium bromide (C₁₂EMorphBr). A composited drug nano-carrier was produced by coating zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) on the surface of drug-loaded catanionic vesicular nano aggregates (DOX loaded NaDC/C₁₂EMorphBr@ZIF-8). The study demonstrates that the ZIF-8 shell, as opposed to the catanionic vesicular system, prevents DOX leakage from the core–shell nanocomposites in response to acidic stimulation. The size of these nanocomposites was characterized using DLS, while their morphology and crystallography were examined using SEM, EDS, and XRD. These comprehensive characterizations solidify the DOX-loaded nanocomposite's integrity, affirming the successful coating of ZIF-8 on the surface of the vesicles (NaDC/C₁₂EMorphBr). The DOX loaded NaDC/C₁₂EMorphBr@ZIF-8 nanocomposites effectively prevented DOX leakage and early release, resulting in targeted drug delivery to the intended site. Furthermore, The DOX-loaded nanocomposite was effective in killing MCF-07 cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 4.35 ± 0.5 μg ml⁻¹. This effort aims to maximize the combined and independent performance of the vesicular system and coated nanocomposites.