Novel Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticle for Letrozole Delivery: A New Advancement in Breast Cancer Treatment

Water-stable metal-organic frameworks based on UIO-66@NH2 2 were synthesized to transport Letrozole into breast cancer cells. The UIO-66@NH2 2 nanoparticles had a spherical shape and triangular base pyramid morphology, with a size range of 100-200 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the efficient adsorption of Letrozole on UIO-66@NH2. 2 . The drug release profile showed a gradual, pH-dependent release of Letrozole from the nanoparticles, with a significant increase in acidic environments, indicating the adaptable release potential of UIO-66@NH2@Let 2 @Let in the breast cancer microenvironment. The size and entrapment efficiency were more stable at 4 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of UIO-66@NH2@Let, 2 @Let, MTT assay, gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species generation, migration assay, and DAPI staining were performed. Moreover, according to IC50 50 results, the incorporation of Letrozole into UIO66@NH2 2 significantly improved its anticancer activity. The results also showed that the developed formulations induced apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and inhibited cancer progression. The efficacy of the formulations in inducing apoptosis was validated by DAPI staining microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. Therefore, the Letrozole-loaded UIO-66@NH2 2 MOFs developed in this study can be considered as a unique and sophisticated anticancer delivery nanosystem with promising in vitro anticancer properties. (c) 2024 American Pharmacists Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.