Rare earth‐based MOF@mesoporous silica nanoplatform for long‐term and luminescence trackable chemotherapy

Abstract Developing the multifunctional nanocarriers for long‐term drug release and luminescence traceability is a challenging assignment. In this task, we designed a novel nanoplatform for long‐term and luminescence trackable chemotherapy, which is prepared via a hollow ZIF‐8 (where ZIF is zeolitic imidazolate frameworks) coated by the Eu 3+ ‐doped mesoporous silica (ZIF‐8@mesoporous silica). The hollow ZIF‐8 is used as a drug library for loading the anticancer drug, and the pH‐sensitive properties of ZIF‐8 can targeted‐release drugs in the tumor and cut down the poisonousness of drugs to normal cells. The shell layer of mesoporous silica can achieve the long‐term drug release, which solves the problem of short drug circulation time in the body, reduces the drug administration frequency, and improves the therapeutic effect. Notably, the ZIF‐8@mesoporous + doxorubicin (DOX) is injected only once during the 14‐day chemotherapy. In addition, Eu 3+ ‐ doped in mesoporous silica ensures luminescence tracking and detection of drug pathways in living cells. Hence, this nanoplatform provides a whole new strategy for the long‐term treatment of tumors.