Efficient Storage of Gentamicin in Nanoscale Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 Nanocarrier for pH-Responsive Drug Release

In this study, a simple method was developed to prepare gentamaicin (GEN)-loaded nanoscale zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (GEN@NZIF-8) nanoparticles (NPs) at room temperature and GEN@NZIF-8 NPs were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, BET nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The PXRD patterns showed that large drug molecules can be encapsulated in ZIF-8 frameworks. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms that the GEN@NZIF-8 NPs have higher thermal stability than ZIF-8 NPs. FT-IR spectroscopy exhibted the presence of functional groups of GEN and NZIF-8 frameworks in GEN@NZIF-8 NPs. Results showed that GEN@NZIF-8 NPs exhibited high drug capacity (19%) and high drug loading capacity of gentamicin anions through ion exchange and good chemical stability. The researchers attempted to demonstrate that large drug molecules at pH 5.0 and 7.4 could be loaded in NZIF-8 NPs. Additionally, drug release in acidic condition was faster than in physiological condition. The biological activities of GEN, NZIF-8 and GEN@NZIF-8 NPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria showed that the GEN@NZIF-8 NPs had good antimicrobial activity. This work highlights the potential of using NZIF-8 as a valuable candidate to develop highly efficient drug delivery vehicles in the treatment of infectious diseases using pH-responsive release.