Polymer-Coated NH₂-UiO-66 for the Codelivery of DOX/pCRISPR

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer porous platforms for drug delivery.
• Developing safe and efficient nanocarriers for combined drug and gene therapy is crucial.
• Green synthesis methods are desirable for sustainable nanomaterial production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To green synthesize NH2-UiO-66 MOFs using high gravity for drug and gene delivery.
• To evaluate the loading capacity of doxorubicin and the transfection efficiency of pCRISPR.
• To assess the biocompatibility and stability of the developed MOF-based nanocarriers.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of NH2-UiO-66 MOF assisted by high gravity.
• Characterization using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and zeta potential analysis.
• Encapsulation of doxorubicin and subsequent coating with p(HEMA) and p(NIPAM) polymers.
• Attachment of pCRISPR to the modified MOFs.
• Evaluation of gene transfection efficiency (EGFP expression) and cytotoxicity (MTT assay).

Main Results:

• A record doxorubicin payload exceeding 51% was achieved.
• p(NIPAM)-coated MOFs showed the highest pCRISPR transfection efficiency (6.4%), a superior report for MOF-based nanocarriers.
• Minimal cytotoxicity was observed, indicating good biocompatibility.
• TEM analysis confirmed the stability of the MOF cubic structure post-delivery.

Conclusions:

• Green synthesized NH2-UiO-66 MOFs are effective nanocarriers for combined doxorubicin and pCRISPR delivery.
• Polymer coating significantly enhances gene transfection efficiency.
• The developed MOF nanocarriers show promise for future biomedical applications due to their stability and low toxicity.