Current and emerging applications of nanostructured metal–organic frameworks in cancer-targeted theranostics

Design and development of pH-responsive levofloxacin-loaded metal-organic framework for the promising treatment of pediatric abdominal wound repair

With over 9 million fatalities per year expected by 2030, infectious diseases will remain a significant burden on the world economy and cause high mortality rates. An excellent method to increase the bioactivity of levofloxacin (LEV) in pediatric abdominal wound repair is the finding of a stimuli-based drug delivery system (DDS). We designed and developed an LEV incorporated with zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) as a promising nanocarrier for wound healing applications. The spectral analysis and morphological analysis confirm the formation of our newly fabricated composites. Mouse embryonic fibroblast NIH3T3 cells, the cytotoxicity, cytocompatibility, and cell proliferation characteristics of LEV@ZIF-8 were evaluated in vitro. LEV@ZIF-8 composite considerably improved the biocompatibility against NIH3T3 cells after 72-h of exposure, according to in vitro experiments. Under acidic circumstances, the pH-responsive drug release studies exhibit superior LEV release, and in physiological circumstances, there is no unintended drug release. The LEV@ZIF-8 composite-treated cells demonstrate the most remarkable cell growth and migration method in a very short time, according to the results of the wound scratch experiment. The composite exposure concentration depended on inhibition against various microorganisms in the antibacterial activity testing. According to the study, LEV@ZIF-8 are appropriate and effective DDS for stimuli-based pediatric abdominal wound repair.

Advancing Cancer Treatment: Enhanced Combination Therapy through Functionalized Porous Nanoparticles

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, necessitating the development of innovative treatment strategies. This review focuses on the functionalization of porous nanoparticles for combination therapy, a promising approach to enhance cancer treatment efficacy while mitigating the limitations associated with conventional methods. Combination therapy, integrating multiple treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, phototherapy, immunotherapy, and others, has emerged as an effective strategy to address the shortcomings of individual treatments. The unique properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) and other porous materials, like nanoparticles coated with mesoporous silica (NP@MS), metal-organic frameworks (MOF), mesoporous platinum nanoparticles (mesoPt), and carbon dots (CDs), are being explored for drug solubility, bioavailability, targeted delivery, and controlled drug release. Recent advancements in the functionalization of mesoporous nanoparticles with ligands, biomaterials, and polymers are reviewed here, highlighting their role in enhancing the efficacy of combination therapy. Various research has demonstrated the effectiveness of these nanoparticles in co-delivering drugs and photosensitizers, achieving targeted delivery, and responding to multiple stimuli for controlled drug release. This review introduces the synthesis and functionalization methods of these porous nanoparticles, along with their applications in combination therapy.

Efficient Preparation of a Magnetic Helical Carbon Nanomotor for Targeted Anticancer Drug Delivery

The applications of nanomotors in the biomedical field have been attracting extensive attention. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate nanomotors in a facile way and effectively load drugs for active targeted therapy. In this work, we combine the microwave heating method and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to fabricate magnetic helical nanomotors efficiently. The microwave heating method can accelerate intermolecular movement, which converts kinetic energy into heat energy and shortens the preparation time of the catalyst used for carbon nanocoil (CNC) synthesis by 15 times. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are in situ nucleated on the CNC surface by the microwave heating method to fabricate magnetically driven CNC/Fe₃O₄ nanomotors. In addition, we achieved precise control of the magnetically driven CNC/Fe₃O₄ nanomotors through remote manipulation of magnetic fields. Anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) is then efficiently loaded onto the nanomotors via π-π stacking interactions. Finally, the drug-loaded CNC/Fe₃O₄@DOX nanomotor can accurately accomplish cell targeting under external magnetic field control. Under short-time irradiation of near-infrared light, DOX can be quickly released onto target cells to effectively kill the cells. More importantly, CNC/Fe₃O₄@DOX nanomotors allow for single-cell or cell-cluster-targeted anticancer drug delivery, providing a dexterous platform to potentially perform many medically relevant tasks in vivo. The efficient preparation method and application in drug delivery are beneficial for future industrial production and provide inspiration for advanced micro/nanorobotic systems using the CNC as a carrier for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Targeted in vitro gene silencing of E2 and nsP1 genes of chikungunya virus by biocompatible zeolitic imidazolate framework

Chikungunya fever caused by the mosquito-transmitted chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a major public health concern in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate climatic regions. The lack of any licensed vaccine or antiviral agents against CHIKV warrants the development of effective antiviral therapies. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated gene silencing of CHIKV structural and non-structural genes serves as a potential antiviral strategy. The therapeutic efficiency of siRNA can be improved by using an efficient delivery system. Metal-organic framework biocomposits have demonstrated an exceptional capability in protecting and efficiently delivering nucleic acids into cells. In the present study, carbonated ZIF called ZIF-C has been utilized to deliver siRNAs targeted against E2 and nsP1 genes of CHIKV to achieve a reduction in viral replication and infectivity. Cellular transfection studies of E2 and nsP1 genes targeting free siRNAs and ZIF-C encapsulated siRNAs in CHIKV infected Vero CCL-81 cells were performed. Our results reveal a significant reduction of infectious virus titre, viral RNA levels and percent of infected cells in cultures transfected with ZIF-C encapsulated siRNA compared to cells transfected with free siRNA. The results suggest that delivery of siRNA through ZIF-C enhances the antiviral activity of CHIKV E2 and nsP1 genes directed siRNAs.

Synthesis of Cellulose Nanocrystals/HKUST-1 Composites and Their Applications: Crystal Violet Removal and Doxorubicin Loading

This study developed a novel composite material containing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and HKUST-1. Here, the addition of CNCs was used to enhance the characteristics of HKUST-1 in terms of surface area, adsorption ability, and functional groups. Here, the fabrication of CNCs@HKUST-1 composites was carried out by adding CNCs into the fabrication process of HKUST-1. The addition of CNCs provides additional functional groups on the surface of composite material which can be used to attach other organic compounds, such as in waste management and drug delivery systems. Here, CNCs@HKUST-1 composites were tested as a material for crystal violet (CV) removal and doxorubicin (DOX) loading. The removal capacity of CNCs@HKUST-1 composite towards CV molecules reached 1182.25 ± 27.74 mg/g, while the loading capacity for DOX drugs was around 1514.94 ± 11.67 mg/g. Both applications showed that CNCs@HKUST-1 composite had higher adsorption capacity and ability compared to its precursor materials, i.e., CNCs and HKUST-1.

Emerging theranostics to combat cancer: a perspective on metal-based nanomaterials

OBJECTIVE

Theranostics, encompassing diagnostics and therapeutics, has emerged as a critical component of cancer treatment. Metal-based theranostics is one such next-generation nanotechnology-based drug delivery system with a myriad of benefits in pre-clinical and clinical medication for the deadly diseases like cancer, where early detection can actually be life-saving.

SIGNIFICANCE

Metal theranostics have shown promising outcomes in terms of anticancer medication monitoring, targeted drug delivery, and simultaneous detection and treatment of early-stage cancer.

METHODS

For collection of literature data, different search engines including Google scholar, SciFinder, PubMed, ScienceDirect have been employed. With key words like, cancer, theranostics, metal nanoparticles relevant and appropriate data have been generated.

RESULTS

Noninvasive administration of the active drug is made possible by theranostics nanoparticulate systems' ability to aggregate at the tumor site and offer morphological and biochemical characteristics of the tumor site. The recent advancement of metal-based theranostics including metallic nanoparticles, metal oxides, metal sulfides, nanocomposites, etc. has been explored at length in this article.

CONCLUSION

The review highlights emerging applications in terms of molecular imaging, targeted therapy and different diagnostic approaches of metal theranostics. Possible challenges faced by nanotheranostics in terms of clinical immersion and toxicological aspects which need to be addressed at depth are also discussed at the end.

Metal-organic frameworks for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy and mechanism

In recent years, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted increasing attention in cancer therapy, because they can enhance the anticancer efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), photoacoustic imaging, and drug delivery. Owing to stable chemical adjustability, MOFs can be used as carriers to provide excellent loading sites and protection for small-molecule drugs. In addition, MOFs can be used to combine with a variety of therapeutic drugs, including chemotherapeutics drugs, photosensitizers, and radiosensitizers, to efficiently deliver drugs to tumor tissue and achieve desired treatment. There is hardly any review regarding the application of MOFs in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, the design, structure, and potential applications of MOFs as nanoparticulate systems in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma are presented.

Systematic Review Registration: website, identifier registration number

Recent advances in Ti-based MOFs in biomedical applications

Currently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), basically inorganic-organic hybrid materials, have gained tremendous attention due to their vast applications. MOFs have shown enormous applications in almost every research field. However, the area of designing MOF materials for their biological applications is still an emerging field that needs attention. Titanium-based metal-organic framework (Ti-MOF) materials are used in many research areas due to their structural advantages, such as small particle size and large effective surface area. On the other hand, they have also shown unique advantages such as good biocompatibility, excellent catalytic oxidation and photocatalytic properties and ease of functionalization. This study reviews the recent research progress on Ti-MOFs in therapeutic areas such as antibacterial, oncology, anti-inflammation, and bone injury, which will provide new directions for further research in this biomedical field. Therefore, this article will help scientists working in the particular field to enhance their understanding of Ti-based MOFs for functional biomedical applications.

Metal-organic frameworks for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications

Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials provide unprecedented opportunities for evaluating valuable compounds for various medical applications. MOFs merged with biomolecules, used as novel biomaterials, have become particularly useful in biological environments. Bio-MOFs can be promising materials in the global to avoid utilization above toxicological substances. Bio-MOFs with crystallin and porosity nature offer flexible structure via bio-linker and metal node variation, which improves their wide applicability in medical science.

Review on metal nanoparticles as nanocarriers: current challenges and perspectives in drug delivery systems

Over the past few years, nanotechnology has been attracting considerable research attention because of their outstanding mechanical, electromagnetic and optical properties. Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field comprising nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and nanobiotechnology, as three areas which extensively overlap. The application of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) has drawn much attention offering significant advances, especially in the field of medicine by increasing the therapeutic index of drugs through site specificity preventing multidrug resistance and delivering therapeutic agents efficiently. Apart from drug delivery, some other applications of MNPs in medicine are also well known such as in vivo and in vitro diagnostics and production of enhanced biocompatible materials and nutraceuticals. The use of metallic nanoparticles for drug delivery systems has significant advantages, such as increased stability and half-life of drug carrier in circulation, required biodistribution, and passive or active targeting into the required target site. Green synthesis of MNPs is an emerging area in the field of bionanotechnology and provides economic and environmental benefits as an alternative to chemical and physical methods. Therefore, this review aims to provide up-to-date insights on the current challenges and perspectives of MNPs in drug delivery systems. The present review was mainly focused on the greener methods of metallic nanocarrier preparations and its surface modifications, applications of different MNPs like silver, gold, platinum, palladium, copper, zinc oxide, metal sulfide and nanometal organic frameworks in drug delivery systems.

An investigation of affecting factors on MOF characteristics for biomedical applications: A systematic review

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a fascinating class of crystalline porous materials composed of metal ions and organic ligands. Due to their attractive properties, MOFs can potentially offer biomedical field applications, such as drug delivery and imaging. This study aimed to systematically identify the affecting factors on the MOF characteristics and their effects on structural and biological characteristics. An electronic search was performed in four databases containing PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, using the relevant keywords. After analyzing the studies, 20 eligible studies were included in this review. As a result, various factors such as additives and organic ligand can influence the size and structure of MOFs. Additives are materials that can compete with ligand and may affect the nucleation and growth processes and, consequently, particle size. The nature and structure of ligand are influential in determining the size and structure of MOF. Moreover, synthesis parameters like the reaction time and initial reagents ratio are critical factors that should be optimized to regulate the size and structure. Of note is that the nature of the ligand and using a suitable additive can control the porosity of MOF. The more extended ligands aid in forming large pores. The choice of metallic nodes and organic ligand, and the MOF concentration are important factors since they can determine toxicity and biocompatibility of the final structure. The physicochemical properties of MOFs, such as hydrophobicity, affect the toxicity of nanoparticles. An increase in hydrophobicity causes increased toxicity of MOF. The biodegradability of MOF, as another property, depends on the organic ligand and metal ion and environmental conditions like pH. Photocleavable ligands can be served for controlled degradation of MOFs. Generally, by optimizing these affecting factors, MOFs with desirable properties will be obtained for biomedical applications.

Potential threats of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles to aquatic fungi associated with leaf decomposition

Synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles (ZIF-8 NPs) and evaluation of their potential threats on ecosystem functioning has been reported in this work. A 45-day indoor experiment was conducted to explore the effects of ZIF-8 NPs at three different concentrations (10, 100, and 1000 μg L^-1) on the aquatic fungal community associated with Populus nigra L. leaf litter decomposition. After chronic exposure, ZIF-8 NPs at 1000 μg L^-1 significantly inhibited fungal biomass and extracellular enzyme activities as a result of inhibition on carbon and nitrogen loss of leaves. Besides, ZIF-8 NPs at 10 μg L^-1 increased the percentage of Anguillospora in the fungal community and led Monographella cucumerina and Mycosphaerella tassiana to become the hub species, which eventually significantly promoted the decomposition of leaf litter. In conclusion, our study provides a reference for the possible ecotoxicity of ZIF-8 NPs on aquatic fungi, confirms the influence of ZIF-8 NPs on nutrient cycling in streams, and also emphasizes the importance of fungal community structure and hub species in the process of leaf litter decomposition.

Fabrication of Folic Acid-Decorated Hollow ZIF-8/Au/CuS Nanocomposites for Enhanced and Selective Anticancer Therapy

Hollow nanomaterials have been used as an attractive platform for the integration of multiple bioactive components for effective anticancer therapy. Herein, we report a novel and facile strategy for the fabrication of hollow and monodispersed zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) by the self-template method with folic acid (FA) as a bioetcher. Gold nanocluster and folic acid were critical for the formation of the hollow ZIF-8 (thickness of 38 nm) during solvothermal synthesis. By integrating CuS nanoparticles (size of 4.9 nm), the resultant quadruple ZIF-8/Au/CuS/FA nanocomposites (denoted as FACZ) exhibited effective anticancer activities on FA receptor-positive MCF-7 and HepG-2 tumor cells but a weak killing effect on HCMEC/D3 cells. Folic acid molecules were conjugated to the external surface of FACZ, which simultaneously offered an excellent tumor-targeting ability and fluorescence imaging property. Although the photothermal therapy caused by CuS was not so obvious due to partial reduction, the nanosized FACZ after cellular uptake was able to release Cu(I) to enable chemodynamic therapy. This catalytically decomposed H₂O₂ to produce highly reactive oxygen species via the Fenton-like reaction as determined by the extracellular and intracellular hydroxyl radical. Our work offers a simple route for the fabrication of hollow ZIF-8 nanocomposite with active and selective anticancer activity. This is envisaged to have great potentials in biomedical applications.

Metal-Organic Framework Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery in Biomedical Applications

Investigation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for biomedical applications has attracted much attention in recent years. MOFs are regarded as a promising class of nanocarriers for drug delivery owing to well-defined structure, ultrahigh surface area and porosity, tunable pore size, and easy chemical functionalization. In this review, the unique properties of MOFs and their advantages as nanocarriers for drug delivery in biomedical applications were discussed in the first section. Then, state-of-the-art strategies to functionalize MOFs with therapeutic agents were summarized, including surface adsorption, pore encapsulation, covalent binding, and functional molecules as building blocks. In the third section, the most recent biological applications of MOFs for intracellular delivery of drugs, proteins, and nucleic acids, especially aptamers, were presented. Finally, challenges and prospects were comprehensively discussed to provide context for future development of MOFs as efficient drug delivery systems.

Controlling the morphology of metal–organic frameworks and porous carbon materials: metal oxides as primary architecture-directing agents

We give a comprehensive overview of how the morphology control is an effective and versatile way to control the physicochemical properties of metal oxides that can be transferred to metal–organic frameworks and porous carbon materials.