Metalorganic framework tethering pH- and thermo-responsive polymer for ONOFF controlled release of guest molecules

• Published in: CrystEngComm 2020-02, Vol.22 (6), p.116-1111
• Main Authors: Nagata, Shunjiro, Kokado, Kenta, Sada, Kazuki
• Format: Article
• ISSN: 1466-8033
• DOI: 10.1039/c9ce01731c

The controlled release of small molecules from carrier materials by manipulating the environmental conditions has potential for use in drug delivery. In the present study, we demonstrate the controlled release of a guest molecule (procainamide) from a metalorganic framework (MOF). The MOF is covered with a copolymer of N -isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) and acrylic acid (AA) by post-synthetic modification. The polymer exhibits a rapid and reversible coilglobule transition that is both pH- and thermoresponsive, thereby allowing the guest molecules to be released from the MOF in an onoff manner. At high pH (6.86) or low temperatures (40 C)when the polymer adopts a globule conformationthe release of the guest molecules is suppressed. The release can be halted by applying external stimuli even after starting the release. The MOF-derived controllable container introduced here will facilitate targeted drug delivery and controlled release of therapeutic agents. Metalorganic framework tethering pH- and thermo-responsive polymer underwent ONOFF controlled release of the included guest molecules.