One-pot synthesis of Eu-MOFs for bioimaging and drug delivery.

OBJECTIVE The use of metal-organic framework (MOF) platforms has been a topic of growing interest in the fields of drug delivery and bioimaging. This study was designed to develop and evaluate a novel MOF-based drug and radiation delivery nanosystem. Methods: Eu-MOFs were characterized in vitro via X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electronic Microscopy, and FT-IR Spectrometry. Nanocarrier uptake and associated cell viability were assessed using a CCK-8 assay and using a High Content Screening System. Biodistribution studies were conducted with a Luminal II IVIS imaging system to assess nanocarrier distribution in different organs. As such, paclitaxel was selected as a model drug in the present study to evaluate Eu-MOF drug loading and release characteristics in vitro via HPLC. Results: A straightforward one-step approach was used to successfully fabricate sea urchin-shaped Eu-MOFs that were self-assembled from Eu3+ and 1,3,5-pyromellitic acid. These MOFs exhibited robust red fluorescence owing to the antenna effect. Owing to their fluorescent properties, these Eu-MOFs were able to facilitate in vivo imaging with a high quantum yield and low background signal. Importantly, our Eu-MOFs exhibited good biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and high imaging efficiency. As they exhibited slow-release kinetics and targeted biodistribution profiles, these Eu-MOFs additionally hold great promise as potential anti-cancer agents in clinical settings. Conclusions: Herein, we designed a novel Eu-MOF active targeted drug delivery nanocarrier platform and found that it represents a promising therapeutic tool for cancer treatment.