A Novel Dual-Functional Quercetin Carrier Based on Gd-Mof for Drug Delivery and Mr Imaging Publisher



Tajahmadi S ; Bagri F ; Shojaei A ; Shamloo A ; Sharifzadeh M
Source: Materials and Design Published:2026

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as versatile nanomaterials for biomedical applications due to their tunable porosity, high surface area, and structural diversity. In this study, amine-functionalized gadolinium-based MOFs (N-Gd-MOFs) were designed as dual-function platforms for quercetin (Qu) delivery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement. Among the synthesized samples, the 5-day Soxhlet-activated (5d-S) MOF exhibited the highest specific surface area (23.92 m2/g) and a maximum Qu adsorption capacity of 280 mg·g–1. The adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer chemisorption on a homogeneous surface. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG° = –4.3 kJ·mol–1; ΔH° = +4.09 kJ·mol–1) confirmed that the process is endothermic and spontaneous. The r1 relaxivity of 5d-S (6.21 mmol/L·s) exceeded that of the clinical contrast agent Dotarem (4.26 mmol/L·s), while maintaining excellent biocompatibility ('100 % cell viability at ≤ 80 µg/mL). The material exhibited pH-responsive drug release (∼16 % over 70 h), consistent with a quasi-Fickian diffusion mechanism. These findings demonstrate that the optimized N-Gd-MOF (5d-S) integrates efficient drug loading, MRI contrast enhancement, and biocompatibility, making it a promising smart theranostic nanocarrier for combined drug delivery and imaging applications. Copyright © 2026. Published by Elsevier Ltd.