Core–Shell Upconversion Nanoparticle@Metal–Organic Framework Nanoprobes for Targeting and Drug Delivery

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are permanently microporous materials. MOFs have become promising candidates as drug delivery hosts because of high specific surface area. In this work, we control preparation of a new core–shell microsphere NaYF₄:Yb,Er@NaYF₄:Nd@MIL-53 by layer-by-layer self-assembly method. Here upconverting fluorescent nanoparticles (UCNPs) NaYF₄:Yb,Er@NaYF₄:Nd has potential for bioimaging due to excellent NIR optical property. MIL-53 as a drug carrier for DOX delivery. Folic acid as targeting agent is encapsulated into the above core-shell structured to form new nanocomposite (UCNPs@ MIL-53/FA). We have found that the new core–shell nanocomposites are nontoxic toward human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and can simultaneously achieve targeted therapy and drug delivery are used for the treatment of cancer. This result is expected to provide new ideas and perspectives for the treatment of cancer of the tumor.

Keywords:

• Upconversion nanoparticle
• MOFs
• drug carrier
• treatment

Additional information

Funding

This work is financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21675091, 21874078), the Taishan Young Scholar Program of Shandong Province (tsqn20161027), the Major Science and Technology Innovation Project of Shandong Province (2018CXGC1407), the Key Research and Development Project of Shandong Province (2016GGX102028, 2016GGX102039, and 2017GGX20111), the Innovation Leader Project of Qingdao (168325zhc), and the FirstClass Discipline Project of Shandong Province.