Investigation of Loading and Controlled Release of a Anti Arrhythmic Drug in a Metal Organic Framework

New drug delivery systems are considered as a destructive technology in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), as a relatively new crystalline nano porous material family have demonstrated promising horizon in drug delivery field due to their unique properties, such as high pore volume, and regular porosity, and the presence of tunable organic linkers within the framework which allow modulation of the pore sizes. This study investigates the potential of an anionic structure belongs to this family in absorption and delivery of a cationic antiarrhythmic drug, Procainamide hydrochloride. Procainamide hydrochloride has a short half-life in vivo and must be dosed every 3-4 hours. Therefore, it is an ideal candidate for controlled release administration. For this initial study, an anionic metal-organic framework formulated as {Zn3(Benzenedicarboxilate)4Dimethylammomium2.8Dimethylformamide} was chosen. This structure has a thermal stability (decomposition point is above 300◦C), and regular porosity. Cationic drug was introduced in to the pores through a cationic exchange process with dimethyl ammonium cations. Maximum loading (7.36%) was achieved after one week. Steady drug release was observed after 24 hours; and more than 70% drug release was obtained after 72 hours.