pH-Responsive Nanoscale Coordination Polymer for Efficient Drug Delivery and Real-Time Release Monitoring

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Drug delivery systems are crucial for effective tumor therapy, but challenges remain regarding dosage control and side effects.
• Uncontrolled drug release and carrier toxicity can lead to severe adverse events and treatment failure.
• Developing intelligent nanocarriers for real-time drug release monitoring is essential for improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate an Fe3+-gallic acid based nanoscale coordination polymer for efficient drug delivery and real-time monitoring of doxorubicin (DOX) release in tumors.
• To assess the antitumor efficacy and safety profile of this novel nanoplatform.
• To investigate the potential of this system as a promising nanoplatform for advanced tumor treatment.

Main Methods:

• Formation of nanoscale coordination polymers from Fe3+ and gallic acid in aqueous solution.
• High-efficiency loading of doxorubicin (DOX) onto the coordination polymer, achieving up to 48.3% loading efficacy.
• In vitro studies to assess DOX loading, fluorescence quenching, and release triggered by lysosomal acidity.
• In vivo studies to evaluate tumor growth inhibition and cardiotoxicity of the drug delivery system.

Main Results:

• The Fe3+-gallic acid coordination polymer demonstrated high doxorubicin loading capacity.
• DOX fluorescence was quenched upon loading and recovered in acidic lysosomal environments, enabling real-time release monitoring.
• In vitro and in vivo studies showed significant tumor growth inhibition.
• The nanoplatform exhibited negligible cardiotoxicity, a common side effect of doxorubicin.

Conclusions:

• The Fe3+-gallic acid nanoplatform is an effective system for high-efficiency doxorubicin loading and controlled release.
• Real-time monitoring of drug release is achievable through fluorescence changes, aiding therapeutic assessment.
• This polyphenol-rich drug delivery system shows significant promise for enhanced tumor treatment with reduced side effects.