Assessment of Novel Core-Shell ZIF-8@poly L-DOPA Nanoparticles for Targeted Doxorubicin Delivery

Drug delivery systems using nanoparticles can deliver to tumor cells without affecting normal cells. In this study, a novel nano composite was synthesized by coupling abilities of ZIF-8 MOF and poly L-DOPA molecular imprinted polymer. Thus, a selective drug delivery system was designed for potential cancer treatment. A new nanocomposite, poly 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine/ZIF-8 (L-DOPA/ZIF-8), was synthesized and used for targeted Doxorubicin delivery. The structural, morphological, and fluorescence properties of the synthesized samples were investigated by FT-IR, FE-SEM, and spectrofluorimetry. The investigation and characterization of the prepared ZIF-8@poly(dopa)/DOX sample indicated its layered and porous structure. The fluorescence emission spectrum showed that adding doxorubicin led to an increase in emission intensity, marking the successful loading of DOX. The safety and cytotoxicity of the prepared nanocomposite were investigated using the MTT method using the HEK293 cell line. The results show that the nanocomposite can be a biocompatible and safe nanocarrier in drug delivery applications. The drug release rate was investigated at two different pH levels, 7.4 and 5. The cumulative or total release of DOX from ZIF-8@poly(dopa)/DOX nanocomposite at pH 7.4 and 5.4 is 56.7 and 78.4%, respectively. Thus, this nanocarrier can be a suitable carrier for slow and controlled drug release into cancer cells.