Curcumin doped zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoplatforms as multifunctional nanocarriers for tumor chemo/immunotherapy

Curcumin as a hydrophobic polyphenol has great potential for tumor therapy, yet its rapid degradation and hydrophobicity severely impair its therapeutic effect in the clinic. Herein, we report a novel strategy for the formation of curcumin doped zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoparticles (Cur-ZIF NPs) by zinc ion driven simultaneous coordination of curcumin and 2-methylimidazole. The resultant Cur-ZIF NPs with a uniform nanosize exhibit favorable stability and dispersibility in water, as well as high drug-loading capacities. The pH and redox sensitivity of ZIF NPs enable the controlled release of curcumin in vivo. Moreover, Cur-ZIF NPs serve as nanocarriers that can load the toll-like-receptor-7 agonist (imiquimod, IQ) and be coated by homotypic cancer cell membranes to enhance tumor-targeted delivery. This study provides an attractive nanoplatform to effectively utilize curcumin and integrate multiple therapeutic modalities into a single system for tumor treatment.