Meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) embedded zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) nanoparticle for cancer chemotherapy: supported molecular docking analysis

UNESA–UNPAD Develop pH-Responsive Meniran@ZIF-8 Nanocarrier for Cancer Therapy (SDG 3 & SDG 9)
A joint team from Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) and Osaka Institute of Technology reports ZIF-8 metal–organic framework nanoparticles loaded with Meniran extract for label-free, pH-triggered drug delivery. The hybrid shows well-distributed rhombic-dodecahedron nanoparticles, preserved ZIF-8 crystallinity (I4̅3m), and clear pH-responsive release: ~70% Meniran released at pH 5.0 vs ~28% at pH 7.4 (36 h). Particle size shifts from 76.2 ± 2.0 nm (ZIF-8) to 85.1 ± 1.1 nm (Meniran@ZIF-8); BET surface area decreases from ~1021 m²/g to ~403 m²/g after loading, consistent with pore occupation. Drug-loading content reaches ~5.0% (w/w) at a 2:1 (Meniran:ZIF-8) ratio. In vitro (HeLa), pristine ZIF-8 is biocompatible (no IC50), while Meniran@ZIF-8 shows cytotoxicity (IC50 ~205.4 μg/mL); free Meniran IC50 ~102.4 μg/mL. Molecular docking suggests favorable binding of ZIF-8 with AKT-1 (−10.8 kcal/mol) and EGFR (−8.5 kcal/mol) (comparable to known inhibitors), supporting the mechanistic plausibility of anticancer action.

Read more (Open Access): https://doi.org/10.1039/d4ra06399f