Biocompatible Zr-based nanoscale MOFs coated with hyaluronic acid as promising drug delivery system for sports injuries

Abstract

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, nanocarriers play an important role in achieving precise drug delivery and controlled release. Among them, nanoscale metal organic frameworks (NMOFs) have shown great potential due to ultra-high specific surface area, controllable size, tunable structure and open metal sites. The aim of this study is to enhance the multifunctionality of UiO-66-NH₂ NMOFs, such as physiological stability, biocompatibility, pH responsiveness, and targeting, by post-synthetic modification with hyaluronic acid-dopamine (HA-DA) functional material. The structure, size, and morphology were characterized by IR, XRD, DLS, and SEM, and the stability, drug-loading capacity, controlled release, and biocompatibility under different conditions were evaluated. The results showed that the particle size distribution and surface properties were improved after modification. This modification not only enhanced the stability in physiological environment, but also accelerated drug release in the acidic environment and improved drug bioavailability, which was of great significance for targeting acidic microenvironments. Cytotoxicity experiments further showed that the introduction of HA-DA effectively reduced the cytotoxicity and provided more suitable environment for cell growth. This study can achieve responsive release, alleviate inflammatory response, and promote tissue repair, especially for sports injuries, which provides a new approach for developing efficient and safe drug delivery systems.

Based on the structural properties of NMOF, a UiO-66-NH₂ NMOF drug delivery system was constructed by the post-synthetic modification of hyaluronic acid-dopamine (HA-DA). This kind of drug delivery system exhibits excellent stability and biocompatibility, and achieves responsive release, which may alleviate inflammatory response and promote tissue repair. This study provides a new approach for developing efficient and safe drug delivery systems.