Resveratrol (Res) is known for its potential in treating various types of
cancers, with a particular advantage of causing minimal toxic side effects. However, its clinical application is constrained by challenges such as poor bioavailability, low water solubility, and chemical instability in neutral and alkaline environments. In light of these limitations, we have developed a pH-responsive
drug delivery nanoplatform, Res@ZIF-8/TA NPs, which exhibits good biocompatibility and shows promise for in vitro
cancer therapy. Benefiting from the mild reaction conditions provided by zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a "one-pot method" was used for
drug synthesis and loading, resulting in a satisfactory loading capacity. Notably, Res@ZIF-8/TA NPs respond to acidic environments, leading to an improved drug release profile with a controlled release effect. Our cell-based experiments indicated that
tannic acid (TA) modification enhances the biocompatibility of ZIFs. 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT assay),
Hoechst 33342/PI staining, cell scratch assay, Transwell and Reverse Transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays further demonstrated that Res@ZIF-8/TA NPs inhibited
colon cancer cell migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis of
colon cancer cells, suggesting a therapeutic potential and demonstrating anti-
cancer properties. In conclusion, the Res@ZIF-8/TA NPs pH-responsive drug delivery systems we developed may offer a promising avenue for
cancer therapy. By addressing some of the challenges associated with Res-based treatments, this system could contribute to advancements in
cancer therapeutics.