Synthesis of Iron Based Biocompatible Metal Organic Frameworks for Microencapsulation of Docetaxel

Abstract

Tunable properties of porous metal organic frameworks (MOFs) make them a potential candidate for sustained release of functionally active biomolecules. Current study describes in situ encapsulation of anti-cancer drug, docetaxel in iron based MOFs for drug delivery applications. MOFs were synthesized using emulsification approach by mixing FeCl3.4H2Oand benzene tricarboxylate (BTC) in 1:1 molar ratio in the presence of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Optical characterization of the NMOFs was done using UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy. The peak obtained at 265 nm in the UV-visible spectrum indicated the formation of iron-based NMOF. The peaks obtained at 3416, 1623 and 3343cm-1 corresponding to C=O, C=C and C=O groups in FTIR spectroscopy further supported our observations. Microencapsulation of docetaxel was achieved by mixing the drug with the iron salt during the synthesis of MOF. Drug encapsulation was affirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Current study is an attempt in exploring the microencapsulation properties of MOFs.