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Defect-engineered metal-organic framework as a universal platform for theranostic applications.
Shuguang Yang1, Xiaohong Xiong2, Qiyu Zhong3
1Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, PR China; Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
Researchers developed a novel functionalized metal-organic framework (Fun-MOF) for precise cancer treatment. This nanocarrier system delivers multiple drugs, combines photothermal/photodynamic therapies, and offers dual-modal imaging for advanced theranostics.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Designing nanocarriers for multidrug co-delivery to combat complex disease microenvironments is a significant challenge in precision nanomedicine.
- Existing nanocarriers often struggle with efficient drug loading and targeted delivery for combination therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a defect-engineered, functionalized metal-organic framework (Fun-MOF) for synergistic tumor photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT) and dual-modal imaging (PAI/FI).
- To create a versatile platform for co-delivering specific drugs and therapeutic agents to remodel the tumor microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized a hierarchical micro/mesoporous Fun-MOF using dicarboxyl-functionalized indocyanine green (Bis-COOH-ICG) and Zr6 clusters.
- Co-encapsulated HSP90 inhibitor 17-AAG and catalase (CAT) within the Fun-MOF structure.
- Utilized the Fun-MOF for combined PTT/PDT and photoacoustic/fluorescence imaging (PAI/FI).
Main Results:
- The hierarchical Fun-MOF demonstrated efficient co-encapsulation and synergistic antitumor effects by inhibiting HSP90 and scavenging hydrogen peroxide.
- The Fun-MOF successfully remodeled the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
- The defective Fun-MOF platform showed potential for incorporating other carboxyl-containing therapeutics, indicating broad theranostic applicability.
Conclusions:
- The developed defect-engineered Fun-MOF serves as an effective nanocarrier for multidrug co-delivery, PTT/PDT, and dual-modal imaging.
- This platform offers a promising strategy for overcoming challenges in tumor microenvironment modulation and advancing precision nanomedicine.
- The universal design facilitates the integration of diverse small-molecule therapeutics for versatile theranostic applications.
