Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Encapsulated Chromium–Trithiocyanuric Acid Metal–Organic Framework for Sustained Ibuprofen Delivery: Synthesis, Characterization, Swelling, In Vitro Studies, and Cytotoxicity Analysis on A549 Cell Lines

This study reports a novel ibuprofen (IBU) drug delivery system using a chromium-trithiocyanuric acid metal-organic framework (Cr-MOF) encapsulated with a biodegradable, nontoxic carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for sustained release of ibuprofen (IBU) drug. The chromium metal-organic framework (MOF) was synthesized via the solvothermal method in a mixture of solvents in acidic conditions, followed by loading with the ibuprofen drug (Cr-MOF@IBU). Cr-MOF@IBU was further encapsulated with the CMC polymer and cross-linked with ferric chloride to form CMC/Cr-MOF@IBU hydrogel beads. Different characterization techniques were used, such as FT-IR, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET, and UV-vis spectroscopy, to confirm the successful synthesis and drug loading. pH responsiveness of CMC/Cr-MOF@IBU hydrogel beads demonstrated by the swelling studies confirmed the optimal swelling in a mimicked gastrointestinal environment. The BET analysis further confirmed a significant decrease in surface area after drug loading. An in vitro drug delivery study indicated that controlled and sustained drug delivery was important for better efficacy and reducing the side effects of the drug. The cytotoxicity studies of A549 cell lines revealed the improved biocompatibility and lower toxicity of encapsulated CMC/Cr-MOF@IBU compared to Cr-MOF. This study highlights the potential of CMC/Cr-MOF@IBU as an efficient and effective drug delivery vehicle for the sustained and controlled release of ibuprofen.