Cellulose nanocrystals/zeolitic imidazolate framework-L (CNCs/ZIF-L) composites for loading and diffusion-controlled release of doxorubicin hydrochloride

Background: Zeolitic imidazolate framework-L (ZIF-L) has great potential as a doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) drug carrier for oral chemotherapy applications. This medical application will greatly support the development of cancer treatment and reduce the cancer fatality rate. However, ZIF-L as a type of metal-organic framework (MOFs) faces several challenges to be implemented in biomedical applications which impact the drug loading and release mechanisms. Methods: CNCs/ZIF-L composites were fabricated via a green in-situ method using CNCs mass percentages of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 % of Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O. All composites were tested for the DOX loading and release mechanisms and antioxidant activity. Significant findings: Here, the addition of CNCs enhances the DOX loading capacity of CNCs/ZIF-L composite up to 1508.91 ± 7.72 mg/g due to the presence of abundant active functional groups. In addition, the DOX release profile is another interesting potential that occurs through a diffusion-controlled release mechanism. This shows the ability of CNCs/ZIF-L composite to deliver drugs orally where DOX is released consistently at a certain concentration level for prolonged treatment. Moreover, the IC₅₀ value of DOX@CNCs/ZIF-L drug reaching 480.21 mg/L proves that the effectiveness of DOX is maintained even though it is administered orally in the form of solid material.