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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Reconstruct Human Retinoblastoma In Vitro
Published on: October 11, 2022
pH-responsive ZIF-8-based nitazoxanide nanodelivery system for synergistic inhibition of retinoblastoma growth
Mu Qin1,2, Sanhua Xu3, Zhengri Li4
1Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 China zjx85221206@126.com.
Insights
A novel Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanodelivery system loaded with nitazoxanide (NTZ) effectively targets retinoblastoma. This ZIF-8@NTZ nanosystem enhances drug bioavailability and shows significant anti-retinoblastoma efficacy in vitro and in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Retinoblastoma (RB) is a leading pediatric eye cancer.
- Current treatments face challenges like poor drug penetration, multidrug resistance, and systemic toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) based nanodelivery system for nitazoxanide (NTZ).
- To enhance the anti-retinoblastoma efficacy of NTZ by improving its bioavailability.
Main Methods:
- Engineered ZIF-8@NTZ nanoparticles with a core-shell structure.
- Characterized nanoparticles for drug loading, size, and pH-responsive release.
- Evaluated anti-cancer effects through in vitro cell assays and in vivo tumor growth inhibition.
Main Results:
- Achieved high drug loading capacity (~58.6%) and suitable particle size (~231 nm).
- Demonstrated significant pH-responsive drug release.
- ZIF-8@NTZ effectively inhibited RB cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed tumor growth in vivo.
Conclusions:
- The ZIF-8@NTZ nanosystem offers a promising strategy for overcoming treatment limitations in retinoblastoma.
- This approach enhances drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy against pediatric intraocular malignancy.
Abstract:
Retinoblastoma (RB) remains a predominant intraocular malignancy in the pediatric population, and its clinical management is significantly impeded by limited blood-retinal barrier (BRB) penetration, the development of multidrug resistance, and severe systemic toxicity. This study aims to develop a novel nanodelivery system based on Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) to overcome the limited bioavailability of the antiparasitic drug nitazoxanide (NTZ), and to enhance its anti-retinoblastoma efficacy. We successfully engineered ZIF-8@NTZ nanoparticles characterized by a robust core-shell architecture. Characterization results showed that the particles exhibited high drug loading capacity (approximately 58.628%), suitable particle size (∼231 nm), and significant pH-responsive drug release properties. In vitro assays indicated that ZIF-8@NTZ exerted potent inhibition on RB cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. In vivo experiments further confirmed that ZIF-8@NTZ could significantly inhibit tumor growth. This study indicates that the ZIF-8@NTZ nanosystem provides a promising strategy for the targeted therapy of retinoblastoma.
