Plasmonic gold bipyramids (AuBipy) encapsulated within a NU-1000 metal-organic framework (MOF) create robust core-shell nanocomposites. These porous nanoassemblies combine the near-infrared (NIR) plasmonic resonance of the metallic core with the intrinsic photoluminescence of the pyrene-based organic linkers. Comprehensive optical characterization reveals efficient photothermal heating under NIR irradiation and robust surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) capabilities in colloidal dispersions. For biological applications, AuBipy@NU-1000 nanocomposites exhibit good colloidal stability and maintain high cell viability in A549 cells up to a 200 pM particle concentration (equivalent to 152 µM of Au and 302 µM of Zr). Wide-field hyperspectral microscopy enables label-free intracellular mapping of the distinct optical signatures of both components after cellular internalization. Spatial analysis of these signals supports preservation of the core-shell architecture inside cells. Consequently, these nanomaterials provide a versatile platform for intracellular optical readout, with additional potential for chemical sensing and photothermal applications.
Manuel Ceballos, O. Semyonov, E. Soprano et al.· Small· 0 citations
A seeded growth strategy was developed to synthesize core-shell magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) composites for magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) and MHT-triggered drug delivery. Cubic or spherical iron oxide nanoparticles, with nanocubes selected for their superior MHT performance, were coated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide to enable aqueous ZIF-8 shell growth. Shell thickness strongly influenced heating efficiency under alternating magnetic fields (AMFs), with thinner shells and cubic cores yielding enhanced MHT performance. Doxorubicin (Doxo) was used as a model chemotherapeutic drug and loaded either by surface adsorption or via in-situ encapsulation during ZIF-8 growth, the latter achieving an exceptional loading efficiency of 98%. To ensure stability in physiological environments, an amphiphilic polymer coating was applied, improving dispersion while regulating shell degradation and drug release. Doxo-loaded composites exhibited efficient cellular uptake and lysosomal localization in glioblastoma and breast cancer cells. Confocal microscopy revealed that magnetic field exposure induced lysosomal permeabilization and redistribution of Doxo, indicating a potential lysosomal escape mechanism. Notably, enhanced cytotoxicity occurred only when AMFs were applied to Doxo-loaded composites, despite no measurable bulk temperature increase, suggesting localized MHT-induced intracellular damage. Overall, shell-tunable magnetic-MOF nanohybrids emerge as promising platforms for controlled, heat-free intracellular drug activation for targeted cancer therapy.
A. Panaite, A. Predeina, Aitor Alvarez Lorenzo et al.· Small· 0 citations
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