ABSTRACT
A simple and cost-effective synthesis method for zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was developed and loaded with metformin (MET@ZIF-8) for pH sensitive-release behaviour for the treatment of lung cancer. ZIF-8 and MET@ZIF-8 were subjected to particle size, zeta potential analysis and HR-TEM through which it shows evidence that the particles had spherical morphology and nanosize. Percentage of metformin (MET) loading in the ZIF-8 was found to be 63.39 ± 1.32%. Dissociation of ZIF-8 into its coordination ions at acidic conditions (pH 5–6) thereby leads to the release of MET at a higher drug release rate (98%) compared to physiological conditions (pH 7.4) the drug release rate at 35%. Pore volume and pore size of ZIF-8 (1242 m2/g) gets reduced to 1042.00 m2/g after incorporation of MET in ZIF-8. In-vitro cytotoxicity assay results showed the enhanced cytotoxicity for MET @ZIF-8 compared to free MET in a dose dependent manner in human lung adenocarcinoma cells A549.
Graphical abstract
![](/cms/asset/307cd0ef-1e00-4d7e-9eb4-569c554a4d76/ymte_a_1905207_uf0001_oc.jpg)
Graphical abstract
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge Department of Science and Technology (GoI), New Delhi supported National Facility for Drug Development for Academia, Pharmaceutical and Allied Industries (NFDD) (Ref No. VI-D&P/349/10-11/TDT/1 Dt: 21.10.2010). Further, expresses our sincere thanks to Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP) for partial financial support.
Disclosure statement
There is no conflict of interest.