Curcumins‐Loaded ZIF‐8 Nanoparticles‐Embedded Transdermal Polymeric Patches Increase Apoptosis and Reduce Necrosis in a Dose‐Dependent Manner in MCF‐7 Cells

Curcumin(Cur)‐loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) nanoparticles (Cur@ZIF‐8 NPs) were produced to increase the anticancer activity of Cur. Cur@ZIF‐8 NPs were embedded in polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers as transdermal polymeric patches via a pressured gyration (PG) method to provide controlled release. Cur@ZIF‐8 NPs and Cur@ZIF‐8 NPs‐embedded PCL fibers were characterized for physical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties, also biological activities were examined with in vitro tests. Cur@ZIF‐8 NPs were produced homogeneously with a size of ∼200 nm and a zeta potential of ∼−19 mV. Cur had better stability inside Cur@ZIF‐8 NPs than its powder form. Cur@ZIF‐8 NPs were successfully loaded in PCL fibers with a size of ∼7 µm, and Cur@ZIF‐8 NPs were dispersed amorphously in fibers. Cur was released in a controlled manner, and its efficiency was increased in the acidic microenvironment that is characteristic of cancer. Cur@ZIF‐8 NPs have more bioavailability than powdered Cur and can penetrate the cells to deliver their anticancer effects on MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells. Cur@ZIF‐8 NPs‐embedded transdermal polymeric patches promote apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells by reducing necrosis, particularly under acidic conditions. This work presents a release system with synergistic anticancer effects, offering a novel approach for Cur's clinical application in breast cancer through enhanced targeting.