Design and construction of pH-temperature sensitive drug delivery system based on ZIF-8 nanoparticles for anti-cancer applications

Aim and Background: Despite many advances in cancer prediction, breast cancer remains a leading cause of death in women worldwide. In recent years, particular attention has been given to the use of nanoparticles as drug-delivery systems for cancer cells. Meanwhile, drug delivery systems responsive to external stimuli such as temperature and pH are very useful in controlling drug release from nano-carriers. In this study, ZIF-8 nanoparticles were used as a carrier against breast cancer MCF-7 cells and curcumin was loaded into the nano-carrier. The aim of the current research was to investigate the effect of pH and temperature simultaneously on the release rate of curcumin drug from ZIF-8 nanoparticles. Methods: Several analyses such as FTIR, XRD, zeta potential have been performed to confirm the effectiveness of this carrier. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of the nano-carrier and the effect of Curcumin on cancer cells were evaluated using an MTT assay. In vitro release profile in simulated physiological pH was compared to the acidic pH assigned to the tumor site at different temperatures of 37°C and 50°C. Results and discussion: According to results, a well-defined structure of smart pH and temperature-sensitive nanoparticles was prepared. Improved release rates are found at acidic pH and higher temperature. Our findings indicate that the combination of Curcumin with ZIF-8 can reduce the activity of MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: This study showed that pH and temperature-sensitive ZIF-8 with Curcumin is a suitable candidate for the treatment of breast cancer cells.