Development and characterization of AXT@metal-organic framework: A biocompatible, pH-responsive nanocarrier for...

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, characterized by low survival rates and significant side effects from conventional treatments. The metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer distinctive features that make them highly suitable for medical innovations. This study presents the development of MOFs as nanocarriers for the anticancer drug axitinib (AXT) to address these issues. Specifically, the MOFs were composed of titanium isopropoxide as metal ions and terephthalic acid as ligands, synthesized via a hydrothermal approach. The pH-responsive Ti-MOF was designed to enhance targeted drug delivery and minimize AXT side effects. The Ti-MOF was analyzed through various techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), zeta potential analysis, particle size measurement, Raman spectroscopy, and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). In vitro drug release studies at 37°C demonstrated that these porous carriers significantly slowed the release of AXT under neutral conditions, with only 4.5% to 8.0% released, mimicking normal tissue environments. In contrast, under acidic conditions (i.e., at pH 5), which simulates the acidic conditions of cancerous tissues, the release of AXT increased substantially, reaching 76% to 78% after 12h, While staying low at 8.0% to 9.5% at pH 7.4, this pH-sensitive release pattern results from the increased dissolution of the MOF material in acidic environments. This characteristic makes it a promising approach for targeted cancer therapy. The design of these MOF-based nanocarriers underscores their potential to enhance the precision and effectiveness of anticancer treatments.