Metal-Organic Frameworks-Based Microrockets for Controlled and Sustained Drug Release.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Gastritis poses risks like ulcers and cancer, often linked to stress and diet.
• Current gastritis treatments struggle with patient adherence and antibiotic resistance.
• Targeted drug delivery systems are needed to improve treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer novel metal-organic framework (MOF)-based microrockets for targeted gastritis treatment.
• To develop a self-propelling, pH-sensitive drug delivery system for the gastric environment.
• To assess the in vivo efficacy and drug retention of the engineered microrockets.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MOF-based microrockets with a zinc-powered engine and pH-sensitive coating.
• Utilizing bubble propulsion for self-propulsion into gastric mucus.
• Incorporating a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) shell for acid protection and sustained release at neutral pH.
• Conducting in vivo studies to evaluate drug retention and therapeutic effects.

Main Results:

• Microrockets demonstrated self-propulsion and mucus penetration capabilities.
• The pH-sensitive coating ensured MOF protection in acidic conditions and sustained drug release.
• In vivo studies confirmed prolonged drug retention for up to 48 hours.
• The system showed potential for active and controlled drug delivery in acidic environments.

Conclusions:

• Engineered MOF-based microrockets provide a promising solution for targeted gastritis treatment.
• The biocompatible design offers sustained drug release and improved patient adherence.
• This technology has potential for broad applications in active and controlled drug delivery systems.