Doxorubicin drug delivery using an electrospun nanofiber membrane of chitosan–polycaprolactone with metal–organic framework: Box–Behnken optimization, anticancer treatment, and antimicrobial activity

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have become significant nanocarriers for drug delivery owing to their remarkable high surface area, adjustable porosity, and functional adaptability. This research focused on developing a multifunctional pH-responsive delivery system by encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) within a lanthanum-based MOF (La-MOF) and integrating this complex into a biocompatible electrospun nanofiber membrane made of polycaprolactone (PCL) and chitosan (CS). The resulting DOX@La-MOF/CS–PCL nanofiber membrane was created by means of a one-step electrospinning technique and extensively analyzed using XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM, EDX, and BET techniques to confirm its structural honesty, surface morphology, and chemical makeup. Drug release experiments indicated a dual-responsive behavior, demonstrating much higher DOX release at body temperature (37 °C) and in acidic environment (pH 5.0) that mimic the tumor micro environment. According to kinetic analysis, diffusion and erosion worked together to affect the release mechanism, which is consistent with zero-order, first-order, Korsmeyer–Peppas, as well as Higuchi models. In vitro tests exhibited strong anticancer effects against liver (HepG2), breast (MCF-7), and skin (A-431) lines of cancer cells. In addition to significant antioxidant and antimicrobial achievement in contrast to Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, as well as Candida albicans. Further optimization through a Box–Behnken statistical design improved both drug loading and release efficiency. Overall, these findings high spot the potential of the DOX@La-MOF/CS–PCL nanofiber membrane as a versatile and effective platform for controlled drug delivery, cancer treatment, and various biomedical applications.