Phase Characterization and Bioactivity Evaluation of Nucleic Acid-Encapsulated Biomimetically Mineralized ZIF-8

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer diverse applications, including drug and nucleic acid (NA) delivery.
• Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), a MOF subclass, exhibits exceptional physicochemical properties suitable for biomolecule encapsulation and controlled release.
• ZIF-8 synthesis and solvent conditions significantly impact its topology and framework structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the precise loading and controlled release of nucleic acids using plasmid-encapsulated ZIF (plasmid@ZIF).
• To explore the influence of ZIF-8 physicochemical properties on cellular NA delivery and bioactivity.
• To enhance the understanding of MOFs' potential in NA delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of ZIF-8 with varying precursors and biomolecular concentrations.
• Encapsulation of plasmid DNA within ZIF-8 to form plasmid@ZIF.
• Evaluation of NA loading precision and release kinetics.
• Assessment of cellular uptake and bioactivity of delivered NAs.

Main Results:

• Plasmid@ZIF demonstrated precise nucleic acid loading and controlled release with maintained bioactivity within cells.
• ZIF-8 phase significantly influenced both cellular NA delivery efficiency and the material's physicochemical properties.
• Tuning precursors and biomolecular concentration allowed for control over plasmid@ZIF properties.

Conclusions:

• ZIF-8 is a promising material for precise nucleic acid delivery applications.
• Precise control over ZIF-8 physicochemical properties is essential for optimizing NA delivery and cellular effects.
• This study advances the understanding of MOFs in nucleic acid delivery, highlighting the importance of material design.