Coordination polymer nanocapsules prepared using metal–organic framework templates for pH-responsive drug delivery

A facile, efficient, and versatile approach is presented to synthesize pH-responsive nanocapsules (∼120 nm) by combining the advantages of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal–organic thin films. ZIF-8 nanoparticles are used as templates on which a thin film coating of iron(III)–catechol complexes is derived from the coordination between dopamine-modified alginate (AlgDA) and iron(III) ions. After the template removal, nanocapsules with a pH-responsive wall are obtained. Doxorubicin (Dox), a typical anticancer drug, is first immobilized in ZIF-8 frameworks through coprecipitation and then encapsulated in nanocapsules after the removal of ZIF-8. The structure of the iron(III)–catechol complex varies with pH value, thus conferring the Dox@Nanocapsules with tailored release behavior in vitro. Cytotoxicity tests illustrate the highly effective cytotoxicity of Dox@Nanocapsules towards cancer cells. This study provides a new method for preparing smart nanocapsules and offers more opportunities for the controlled delivery of drugs.