Nanomedicine Journal

Nanomedicine Journal

Synergistic effect of Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPC)@MIL-101 framework and laser radiation on mcf-7 breast cancer cells: an experimental combination study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mahin Velayati 1, 2
Zahra Sabouri 2, 3
Ramin Rezaee 1
Mohammad Hasan Soheilifar 4
Hoda Keshmiri Neghab 4
Hashemi Ghoochani Samaneh 3
Alireza Hashemzadeh 3
Majid Darroudi 5
1 Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3 Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4 Department of Medical Laser, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
5 Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/nmj.2026.89968.2274
Abstract
Objective(s): Zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPC), a potent photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT), often suffers from poor solubility and aggregation, limiting its efficacy. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) like MIL-101 can serve as nanocarriers to overcome these issues. This experimental study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and synergistic anticancer efficacy of ZnPC incorporated within the MIL-101 framework (ZnPC@MIL-101) against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. ZnPC was chosen for its strong red-light absorption and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, while MIL-101 offers a stable, porous platform to enhance ZnPC delivery and photoactivity.
Materials and Methods: ZnPC@MIL-101 (Cr) was synthesized via a double-solvent method. Characterization involved PXRD, BET analysis, FESEM, DLS, EDX spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The loading capacity was determined, and singlet oxygen generation was quantified. Anticancer efficacy and PDT synergy with 660 nm laser radiation were evaluated on MCF-7 cells using MTT assays. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA.
Result: Successful synthesis of crystalline ZnPC@MIL-101 was confirmed. The loading capacity of ZnPC was found to be 8.5%. BET analysis showed reduced surface area (1709.4 m²/g) and pore size (1.71 nm) post-ZnPC loading, indicating effective incorporation. FESEM/DLS showed particle sizes around 368/439.7 nm, respectively. EDX confirmed uniform Zn distribution. The UV-Vis spectrum of ZnPC@MIL-101 displayed the characteristic Q-band of ZnPC, and the nanocomposite exhibited significant singlet oxygen generation upon laser irradiation. ZnPC@MIL-101 exhibited moderate dark toxicity (IC50: 25 µg/mL), which was significantly enhanced upon laser irradiation (IC50: 10 µg/mL, p < 0.01).
Conclusion: ZnPC@MIL-101 combined with laser radiation demonstrated a significant synergistic reduction in MCF-7 cell viability. This highlights its potential as an effective PDT agent, offering a promising strategy to enhance ZnPC-based cancer treatment.
Keywords
Metal-Organic frameworks
Photosensitizing agents
Drug delivery
Nanocarrier
Cytotoxicity
Subjects
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Nanomedicine Journal
Volume 13, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 296-309