In this paper, we report the synthesis of bioactive copper-gallic acid nanoscale metal-organic framework for the codelivery of anticancer agent (gallic acid) and photosensitizer (methylene blue) to cancer cells. A supramolecular coordination complex of copper-bioactive frameworks (bio MOFs) were employed as the carrier of two anticancer agents. The first one is the natural phenolic acid (gallic acid), which forms a part of the framework structure (building block). The other one is the photosensitizer methylene blue, loaded as a guest molecule within the amphiphilic pores of the framework. In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo tumor regression assays revealed enhanced cytotoxicity of dual drug nanoframework when compared with the equivalent dosages of free drugs in the presence of light.
Keywords: ROS-mediated apoptosis; combination therapy; copper-gallate metal−organic framework (Cu-GA NMOF); dual drug nanoframework; gallic acid (GA); methylene blue (MB).