Synthesis of hollow nanocages MOF-5 as drug delivery vehicle to solve the load-bearing problem of insoluble antitumor drug oleanolic acid (OA).

Abstract Oleanolic acid is an antitumor traditional Chinese medicine component whose oral efficacy and clinical applications are limited because of its strong hydrophobicity. Recently, the use of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as drug carriers has attracted considerable research attention. In this study, the hollow structure of MOF-5 was synthesized. Its drug loading and drug release capacity were studied. The human ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cell line was selected to study the drug loading system, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake. We concluded that a hollow MOF with an excellent morphology was successfully fabricated in the experiment; it increased the drug loading capacity, achieved a more ideal sustained-release effect, improved the treatment efficiency of the hydrophobic Chinese medicine component, and provided a relatively efficient drug loading material. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The novel hollow nanocages MOF-5 were synthesized. • Try to solve the load-bearing problem of insoluble antitumor drug oleanolic acid • The carrier entered the cytoplasm through endocytosis, the drug could be freed from the carrier to exert its efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]