Efficient Propranolol Delivery Enabled by Manganese-Based Bioactive Metal-Organic Frameworks With High Loading...

A green and efficient method was developed for propranolol delivery utilizing manganese-based bioactive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as biocompatible drug carriers. Mn-based bioactive MOFs with a high aspect ratio were synthesized and characterized for size (average, 17 µm), morphology, stability, elemental composition, crystallinity, functionality, charge character, and biocompatibility (a protein adsorption capacity of 0.03 µg µg^-1 (5 h) and a hemolysis ratio of < 0.5%). Afterward, the MOFs were utilized for drug loading via an encapsulation method, and the drug release studies were also performed. The drug loading was confirmed using the zeta potential, CHN analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements. An encapsulation efficiency of 96% (0.5 W/W (drug/MOFs)) and a maximal capacity (Q_max) of 0.526 mg mg^-1 were obtained. The drug release showed that 93.72% of the loaded drug was released after 10 h for a composite of 0.25 W/W (drug/MOFs), while for 0.5 W/W (drug/MOFs), the drug release reached a plateau after 3 h. The kinetic studies showed longer release times and higher release rates for higher drug loading efficiency. Overall, herein, a bioactive platform for efficient delivery of propranolol was developed to improve the therapeutic efficacy by enhancing the drug loading and achieving controlled drug release.