A Biocompatible Zinc(II)-based Metal-organic Framework for pH Responsive Drug Delivery and Anti-Lung Cancer Activity

By using a mixed ligand approach, a new stable porous metal-organic framework [Zn-3(BTC)(2)(Me)(H2O)(2)](MeOH)(13) (1) (H3BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, Me = melamine) was constructed by using the triangular Zn3 secondary building unit, which reveals a 3D scu-type topology structure with a 1D channel parallel to the c axis. The stability and porosity of 1 was confirmed via the PXRD measurement and gas sorption studies, and its size could be downsized into nanoscale (nano-1) with the help of PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone). Due to its high porosity and non-toxicity nature, this MOF was used for the 5-Fu storage/delivery, a moderate high 5-Fu loading capacity and pH-dependent drug release behavior could be observed. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the 5-Fu/nano-1 composite toward the 293 cells and human lung cancer A549 cells was evaluated by MTT assay.