MOF-mediated destruction of cancer using the cell's own hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

A novel reduced iron metal-organic framework nanoparticle with cytotoxicity specific to cancer cells is presented. This nanoparticle was prepared via a hydrothermal method, reduced using hydroquinone, and finally conjugated with folic acid (namely, rMOF-FA). The synthesized nanoparticle shows the controlled release of iron in an acidic ex-vivo environment. Iron present on the rMOF-FA and released into solution can react with high levels of hydrogen peroxide found specifically in cancer cells to increase the hydroxyl radical concentration. The hydroxyl radicals oxidize proteins, lipids, and/or DNA within the biological system to decrease cell viability. In vitro experiments demonstrate that t..