Harnessing curcumin in a multifunctional biodegradable metal-organic framework (bio-MOF) for targeted colorectal cancer theranostics

Despite significant advancements in managing colorectal cancer (CRC), the issues of efficient diagnosis and targeted therapy remain demanding. To address these challenges and improve treatment outcomes while reducing the cost and side effects, there is a need for more effective theranostic systems that combine diagnostic techniques with therapeutic modalities. This study introduces a pioneering approach for the synthesis of a porous bio-MOF (biodegradable metal-organic framework) using iron as the metal component and curcumin as the pharmaceutical ingredient. Subsequently, the developed drug delivery system was equipped with the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX), coated with biocompatible polyethylene glycol (PEG), and targeted with a CRC-specific aptamer (EpCAM). The physicochemical characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of the bio-MOF, demonstrating high encapsulation efficiency and pH-dependent release of DOX. In vitro studies for anticancer activity, cellular uptake, and mechanism of cell death demonstrated that in the case of positive EpCAM HT-29 cells, Apt-PEG-MOF@DOX had enhanced internalization that resulted in massive apoptosis. In vivo studies of the nanoparticles were then conducted in immunocompromised C57BL/6 mice bearing HT-29 tumors. These studies showed that the targeted platform could induce efficient tumor regression with reduced systemic toxicity. The targeted bio-MOF also exhibited MRI imaging properties useful for monitoring tumors. Significantly, the biocompatibility of the introduced bio-MOF was enhanced by pursuing the green synthesis method, which does not engage toxic solvents and strong acids. Overall, this multimodal system acts diversely as a tumor imaging agent and a therapeutic delivery platform suitable for CRC theranostics.Graphical Abstract