Curcumin-loaded ZIF-8 nanoparticles-embedded transdermal polymeric patches increase apoptosis and reduce necrosis in a dose-dependent manner in MCF-7 cells

Abstract

Curcumin(Cur)-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles (Cur@ZIF-8 NPs) were produced to increase the anticancer activity of Cur. Cur@ZIF-8 NPs were embedded in polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers as transdermal polymeric patches via a pressured gyration (PG) method to provide controlled release. Cur@ZIF-8 NPs and Cur@ZIF-8 NPs-embedded PCL fibers were characterized for physical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties, also biological activities were examined with in vitro tests. Cur@ZIF-8 NPs were produced homogeneously with a size of ∼200 nm and a zeta potential of ∼−19 mV. Cur had better stability inside Cur@ZIF-8 NPs than its powder form. Cur@ZIF-8 NPs were successfully loaded in PCL fibers with a size of ∼7 µm, and Cur@ZIF-8 NPs were dispersed amorphously in fibers. Cur was released in a controlled manner, and its efficiency was increased in the acidic microenvironment that is characteristic of cancer. Cur@ZIF-8 NPs have more bioavailability than powdered Cur and can penetrate the cells to deliver their anticancer effects on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Cur@ZIF-8 NPs-embedded transdermal polymeric patches promote apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by reducing necrosis, particularly under acidic conditions. This work presents a release system with synergistic anticancer effects, offering a novel approach for Cur’s clinical application in breast cancer through enhanced targeting.