A Ca-based nano bio-coordination polymer providing reversible structural conversion with ability to enhance cytotoxicity of curcumin and induce apoptosis in human gastric cancer AGS cells

Abstract

A new nano bio-coordination polymer, bio-CP 2, from an endogenous metal ion (calcium(II)) and vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid, NA), was synthesized in water by ultrasonic irradiation. The structure of bio-CP 2 reversibly changed under wet conditions. Bio-CP 2, as a thermodynamically stable coordination polymer, was used for the chemical loading of curcumin (CCM) to improve its solubility. The MTT analysis showed improved cytotoxicity of CCM after loading on bio-CP 2. The flow cytometry analysis of AGS cells (a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line) after treatment with CCM and bio-CP 2@CCM indicated cell apoptosis of 3.49% and 78.68%, respectively. These results confirm that bio-CP 2, as a non-toxic coordination polymer, can be used as a drug delivery system to improve the water solubility and anticancer performance of CCM.