Fe-MIL-88B-NH₂ has been co-loaded with α-tocopheryl succinate (TOS) and curcumin (CCM). The incorporation of TOS into the structure of Fe-MIL-88B-NH₂ improves cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in the HeLa cell line.

Abstract

One of the strategies for improved therapeutic effects in cancer therapy is combination chemotherapy. In this study, a flexible nano-MOF (Fe-MIL-88B-NH₂) was synthesized in a sonochemical process, then co-loaded with α-tocopheryl succinate (TOS) and curcumin (CCM). The anticancer activity of co-loaded Fe-MIL-88B-NH₂ (Fe-MIL-88B-NH₂/TOS@CCM) against the HeLa cells was compared with that of the single-loaded counterpart (Fe-MIL-88B-NH₂@CCM). MTT analysis indicates improved cytotoxicity of Fe-MIL-88B-NH₂/TOS@CCM. The data from the cell apoptosis assay indicated more apoptosis in the case of the co-loaded nano-MOF. This study indicates the positive effect of the presence of TOS on enhancing the anticancer effect of Fe-MIL-88B-NH₂@CCM to prepare a more efficient drug delivery nanosystem.