Self-assembled metal-organic frameworks nanocrystals synthesis and application for plumbagin drug delivery in acute lung injury therapy

Abstract Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently allured a variety of concern in the fields of nanotechnology. However, exploring their biomedical applications is still a relatively new field. In this work, zeolite imidazole skeleton-8 (ZIF-8) was reported for the first time as a drug carrier for the treatment of lung injury. Uniform ZIF-8 nanoparticles encapsulating plumbagin (PLB) are achieved by a facile physical adsorption process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and UV–vis absorption spectrum were conducted to investigate the physical properties of ZIF-8 and PLB@ZIF-8. In animal model, the collagen fibers deposition produced by severe lung injury is significantly decreased. The secretion of inflammatory factor TGF-β and IL-6 were efficiently dropped by the combination of plumbagin and ZIF-8. At the same time, the expressions of collagen I, α-SMA and TNF-α were also suppressed. This strategy puts forth a promising blueprint in the application of MOF materials, especially in biomedical fields.