Synthesis and Characterization of Apalutamide Loaded ZIF-8 Metal-Organic Frameworks; Investigation of Drug Release and Biocompatibility Effects

Abstract

The biocompatible ZIF-8 intelligent material, which is a member of the metal-organic framework family, has a biodegradable property in an acidic environment due to its poor coordination bonds. Because cancerous cells are more acidic than healthy cells, our studies aim to ensure that Apalutamide, which is encapsulated in ZIF-8, is targeted specifically to cancer cells responsive to pH, thereby reducing damage to healthy cells. In addition, ZIF-8 was selected not only as a carrier system but also for its therapeutic effect. Because ZIF-8 material is biodegradable, it is divided into zinc and 2-methylimidazole components in cancer cells. Research shows that the decrease in the amount of zinc is important in the formation of cancer cells.  Zinc is reported to be in lower intracellular concentrations in prostate cell lines as opposed to healthy variants. With the ZIF-8 metal-organic framework, it is aimed to create dual cytotoxic effects on cancer cells by combining the effects of zinc and Apalutamide on a single platform. Therefore, we synthesized, optimized, characterized Apalutamide loaded ZIF-8 nanoparticles, and investigated their biocompatibility properties and drug release profiles. We also aimed to investigate their in vitro and in vivo potentials for the treatment of prostate cancer in future studies.