Rare earth-based MOF@mesoporous silica nanoplatform for long-term and luminescence trackable chemotherapy

Developing the multifunctional nanocarriers for long-term drug release and luminescence traceability is a challenging assignment. In this task, we designed a novel nanoplatform for long-term and luminescence trackable chemotherapy, which is prepared via a hollow ZIF-8 (where ZIF is zeolitic imidazolate frameworks) coated by the Eu3+-doped mesoporous silica (ZIF-8@mesoporous silica). The hollow ZIF-8 is used as a drug library for loading the anticancer drug, and the pH-sensitive properties of ZIF-8 can targeted-release drugs in the tumor and cut down the poisonousness of drugs to normal cells. The shell layer of mesoporous silica can achieve the long-term drug release, which solves the problem of short drug circulation time in the body, reduces the drug administration frequency, and improves the therapeutic effect. Notably, the ZIF-8@mesoporous + doxorubicin (DOX) is injected only once during the 14-day chemotherapy. In addition, Eu3+- doped in mesoporous silica ensures luminescence tracking and detection of drug pathways in living cells. Hence, this nanoplatform provides a whole new strategy for the long-term treatment of tumors.Graphical abstract