The development of a bio-based metal-organic framework coated with carboxymethyl cellulose with the ability to deliver curcumin with anticancer properties

Using bio-based metal-organic frameworks (bio-MOFs) holds promise for innovative approaches in cancer treatment by leveraging the unique properties of these materials for targeted therapeutic applications. In this study, a novel bio-Schiff base ligand derived from vanillin was successfully synthesized, and it was used to create a bio-based copper-based MOF through a one-pot solvothermal method. The bio-MOF was then comprehensively characterized and utilized to encapsulate the anticancer drug curcumin (CUR). The BET analysis revealed an average pore diameter of approximately 2.25 nm for the bio-MOF, highlighting its suitability for CUR loading due to its smaller size relative to the pore diameter. The entrapment efficiency and loading capacity of CUR were established at approximately 84.35% and 28.11%, respectively, resulting in CUR@bio-MOF. Furthermore, the CUR@bio-MOF was coated with the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) biopolymer, resulting in the CMC/CUR@bio-MOF biocomposite hydrogel designed for pH-responsive delivery under physiological conditions at pH 7.4 and the acidic environment of tumor cells at a pH of 5.0. The in vitro CUR release study indicated that the CMC/bio-MOF exhibited more attractive performances than the pristine bio-MOF. Analysis of CUR release from bio-MOF and CMC/bio-MOF aligned most closely with the Higuchi model at both pH levels of 5.0 and 7.4. In vitro cytotoxicity screening displayed the high efficacy of CUR@bio-MOF against cancer cells. Furthermore, using confocal laser microscopy, it was observed that CUR@bio-MOF exhibited the ability to efficiently deliver drugs into cells. The findings presented here indicate that the developed bio-based carrier is an effective delivery system for the controlled and pH-sensitive release of curcumin.