Preparation of Liquid Crystalline Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Coated Metal Organic Framework for Capecitabine Delivery

Abstract A novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coated metal organic framework (MOF) containing a liquid crystalline (LC) monomer is successfully synthesized for use in drug delivery systems. In this study, [Cu₃(BTC)₂(H₂O)₃] _n (HKUST‐1) is chosen as the MOF support owing to its large pore volume, good diffusion, and thermostability. 4‐Methyl phenyl dicyclohexyl ethylene (MPDE) is used as a LC monomer to increase the solvent‐responsive floating of the composite. The preparation conditions of HKUST‐1@LC‐MIP with capecitabine (CAPE) as a template, including the types of functional monomer, the ratio between template and functional monomer, as well as the content of MPDE, are investigated. Characterizations of the HKUST‐1@LC‐MIP are explored using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope images, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and nitrogen adsorption. Compared to the HKUST‐1, the HKUST‐1@LC‐MIP shows better stability in aqueous solution. In vitro release studies of CAPE of HKUST‐1@LC‐MIP show zero‐order release of profiles at the loaded concentration of 500 µg mL⁻¹. From in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, the HKUST‐1@LC‐MIP displays higher relative bioavailability. It turns out that the HKUST‐1@LC‐MIP possesses the properties of controlled release and has the potentials for oral administration.