Design and degradation of permanently porous vitamin C and zinc-based metal-organic framework

Abstract

Bioapplication is an emerging field of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) utilization, but biocompatible MOFs with permanent porosity are still a rarity in the field. In addition, biocompatibility of MOF constituents is often overlooked when designing bioMOF systems, intended for drug delivery. Herein, we present the a Zn(II) bioMOF based on vitamin C as an independent ligand (bioNICS-1) forming a three-dimensional chiral framework with permanent microporosity. Comprehensive study of structure stability in biorelavant media in static and dynamic conditions demonstrates relatively high structure resistivity, retaining a high degree of its parent specific surface area. Robustness of the 3D framework enables a slow degradation process, resulting in controllable release of bioactive components, as confirmed by kinetic studies. BioNICS-1 can thus be considered as a suitable candidate for the design of a small drug molecule delivery system, which was demonstrated by successful loading and release of urea—a model drug for topical application—within and from the MOF pores.

Metal–organic frameworks have demonstrated great potential as drug delivery systems, but the biocompatibility of the MOF components is often overlooked. Here, a vitamin C and zinc-based MOF with permanent microporosity is designed, and successful loading and release of model drug urea from the MOF pores, as well as degradation of the framework, are demonstrated.