Mesoporous Potassium-Based Metal–Organic Framework as a Drug Carrier
Bo Fang, Tianyu Shan, S Z Chen, Fei Pan, Xue Yang, Ding Xiao, Feihe Huang, Zhengwei Mao
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide To date, the number of reported mesoporous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) remains limited. Herein, we report a novel mesoporous potassium-based MOF (K-MOF), designated as KMOF-1, whose precise structure was determined by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. KMOF-1 used 18-crown-6 units as the organic linkers and potassium ions as the metal centers, forming a framework topological structure with interconnected four-membered rings. The specific surface area of the synthesized KMOF-1 was determined by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, which showed a high specific surface area of 1034 m 2 /g. KMOF-1 was demonstrated to be a promising drug carrier, exhibiting encapsulation capabilities for various drugs and maintaining stability for a defined period under simulated physiological conditions. Using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) aptamers as model drugs, we further confirmed the effective loading of VEGF aptamers in KMOF-1 ( KMOF-1@VEGF ) and the ability of KMOF-1@VEGF to release VEGF aptamers responsively in acidic environments. Additionally, in vitro studies showed that KMOF-1 protected VEGF aptamers from degradation by nucleases, allowing them to be effectively taken up by cells. This novel K-MOF, with its biocompatible metal centers, mesoporous channels, and demonstrated efficacy as a drug carrier, offers a significant advancement in developing MOF-based drug delivery systems.