Metal-organic-framework-based pyroptosis nanotuner with long blood circulation for augmented chemotherapy

Biomater Sci. 2023 Aug 22;11(17):5918-5930. doi: 10.1039/d3bm00813d.

Abstract

Pyroptosis is a proinflammatory form of cell death mediated by members of the gasdermin family, and is a powerful tool against cancer. Herein, a pH-responsive doxorubicin (DOX)-encapsulating zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticle coated with a carboxybetaine-based zwitterionic polymer (DOX@ZIF-8@PCBMA) was prepared. Furthermore, decitabine (DAC) was loaded to obtain a pyroptosis nanotuner (DOX@ZIF-8@PCBMA-DAC). This nanotuner displayed extended blood circulation and enhanced tumor accumulation. In addition, the ZIF-8 structure and disulfide-crosslinked PCBMA coating endowed DOX@ZIF-8@PCBMA-DAC with acidic-pH- and glutathione-responsive degradation. The nanotuner could robustly activate caspase-3 to induce gasdermin E (GSDME)-dependent pyroptosis via the sustained release of DAC and DOX, contributing to excellent tumor suppression with negligible side effects, which may provide novel insights into traditional chemotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Doxorubicin / chemistry
  • Gasdermins
  • Humans
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks* / chemistry
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Pyroptosis

Substances

  • Metal-Organic Frameworks
  • Gasdermins
  • Doxorubicin