Tumor microenvironment targeting and regulating iron-based metal-organic framework for magnetic resonance imaging guided synergetic therapy of doxorubicin and hydroxyl radicals

Fe3+ and 2-methylimidazole were selected to prepare tumor microenvironment targeted and regulated multifunctional drug carrier Fe-MOFs. The fact that Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX·HCl) release climbed 70% from 25% upon regulating the pH from 7.4 to 5.8 proved the pH responsive drug release of Fe-MOFs. Hydroxyl radicals (·OH) analysis proved that Fe-MOFs only generated hydroxyl radicals at pH 5.8, and dissolved oxygen performance showed the O2 was produced during the process, which was expected to regulate hypoxia in tumor cells to increase anticancer effect. Cell viability experiments proved the selectivity of Fe-MOFs and the excellent performance of synergy therapy of DOX·HCl and hydroxyl radicals. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging experiments demonstrated excellent performance of positive images. All experiments showed that Fe-MOFs can be used for image-guided collaborative treatment to improve treatment efficiency and reduce side effects.