Transformation of Metal-Organic Framework from Kinetic to Thermodynamic Product for Controlled Delivery of Vitamin C

Inorg Chem. 2024 Aug 5;63(31):14345-14353. doi: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c00700. Epub 2024 Jul 21.

Abstract

A biocompatible metal-organic framework (MOF), named HSTC-4, constructed using the flexible 4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid) (OBA), was developed to enable efficient loading and controlled release of vitamin C (VC) through a combination of strategies involving ligand length, structure design, and metal selection. The kinetic product HSTC-4 demonstrates a propensity for transforming into the thermodynamically stable HSTC-5 under external stimuli, such as photoillumination and vacuum heating, as witnessed by single-crystal to single-crystal transformation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the VC guest molecules exhibit stronger binding affinity with HSTC-5 due to its narrower pores compared to HSTC-4, resulting in a slower release of VC from VC@HSTC-5. Furthermore, precise control over VC release can be achieved by introducing surface modifications involving SiO2 onto the structure of VC@HSCT-5, while simultaneously adjusting environmental factors such as pH and temperature conditions. Preliminary cell culture experiments and cytotoxicity assays highlight the biocompatibility of HSTC-5, suggesting that it is a promising platform for sustained drug delivery and diverse biomedical applications.

MeSH terms

  • Ascorbic Acid* / chemistry
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Density Functional Theory
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Liberation
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks* / chemistry
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks* / pharmacology
  • Molecular Structure
  • Thermodynamics*

Substances

  • Metal-Organic Frameworks
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Drug Carriers