Functionalization of mixed ligand metal-organic frameworks as the transport vehicles for drugs.

We reported the design and synthesis of mixed ligands Cu-metal organic frameworks (MOFs), MOFs-2 and MOFs-3, and their application as the transport vehicles for the delivery of Ibuprofen (IBU) and doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). The unique MOFs with mixed ligands, 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate (BTC) and isophthalic acid (IPA), were easily prepared by hydro-thermal method, and their structures were well characterized by XRD, FTIR, and SEM imaging analysis. Single ligand MOFs with BTC or IPA only were also prepared and characterized as the control group. The biocompatibility of synthesized MOFs towards human cells, HEK 293A was evaluated by MTT assay. To demonstrate the practical applications of the prepared MOFs as the transport vehicles for drugs, the capability of loading and controlled release of IBU and DOX by MOFs-1, MOFs-2, MOFs-3, and MOFs-4 were then examined. In addition, the drug delivery efficiency of various MOFs with different ligands was investigated.