An adenosine triphosphate-responsive metal–organic framework decorated with palladium nanosheets for synergistic tri-modal therapy

Abstract

Multifunctional nanoplatforms are urgently needed for the development of highly efficient anticancer therapeutic agents. Herein, a class of palladium nanosheet (Pd NS)-laden MIL-101-NH₂ (MIL@Pd) nanostructures encapsulating doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) has been designed. MIL-101-NH₂ was synthesized via a microwave-assisted method followed by the immobilization of Pd NSs, leading to the formation of the nanostructures. Benefiting from the porous structure of MIL-101-NH₂, the nanostructures could be loaded with DOX. Therefore, the multifunctional nanoplatform integrates chemo-(DOX), chemodynamic (MIL-101-NH₂), and photothermal (Pd NSs) substances in one system. Due to the broad near-infrared (NIR) absorption band of the Pd nanosheets, MIL@Pd exhibits great photothermal activity. In addition, the ATP-responsive feature of MIL-101-NH₂ contributes to the controlled release of DOX and iron ions, reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and benefiting the generation of ˙OH. The in vitro results show that the DOX-loaded MIL@Pd under NIR irradiation presents enhanced cell cytotoxicity, indicating the significance of synergistic therapy combining chemo-, chemodynamic (CDT), and photothermal treatment (PTT) in one system.