Synthesis, characterization and drug loading properties of a medical metal-organic framework constructed from bioactive curcumin derivatives

Abstract

A novel medical metal-organic framework was successfully synthesized using curcumin derivatives, specifically 3, 5-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxystyryl) pyrazole, as ligands. These derivatives exhibit enhanced stability and potent anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. The material named medi-MOF-2 was constructed using biocompatible zinc ions and characterized for its structural and functional properties. It exhibited permanent porosity with a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 264 m2/g. Pore size distribution analysis revealed a micropore volume of 0.146 cm3/g and an average pore diameter of 11.92 Å. Medi-MOF-2 demonstrated a remarkable ibuprofen loading capacity of 160 mg/g, enabling the simultaneous release of both curcumin derivatives and ibuprofen. This dual-release mechanism highlights the potential of medi-MOF-2 in achieving synergistic drug effects upon further validation, thereby advancing the application of MOFs in the pharmaceutical field.