A novel series of coordination polymers (CPs) was synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction study with the aim of developing topical metallogels for drug delivery system. Structural rationale approach and crystal engineering concept were employed to design self-deliverable CP based metallogels. Nine CPs were crystallised by reacting two bis-pyridyl urea ligands namely 1,3-di(pyridin-3-yl)urea, 1,3-di(pyridin-4-yl)urea and Na salt of various non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs (NSAIDs) namely Ibuprofen (IBU), Fenoprofen (FEN), Naproxen (NAP), Mefenamic acid (MEF), Diclofenac (DIC), Meclofenamic acid (MEC), with Zn(NO3)2. Single crystal data revealed that all the CPs displayed 1D polymeric chain with pyridyl urea ligand as a linker and anchored with carboxylate drug (NSAIDs) with the Zn(II) metal ion. The CP chains were self-assembled through hydrogen bonding interactions through the urea N-H and carboxylate O atoms or via lattice occluded water molecules. The reactants of some CPs produced metallogels in DMSO/water (1:1). The metallogels were characterized by inverted vial test, rheology and TEM. All the metallogels exhibited gel nature, with good rheological responses and the typically observed nano fibrillar assembly were seen under electron microscopy. The metallogelators were selected for various applications accordingly. Anti-cancer property was demonstrated for the metallogelator 3UMEF by various biological in vitro assays (MTT, cell migration). The Internalisation of the metallogelator 3UNAP was confirmed by cell imaging studies. The self-deliverable metallogel 3UMECg was employed as a vehicle for another drug namely sulfasalazine which was loaded in the gel bed of the metallogel (3UMECg) followed by its release in PBS. Photochemical silver nano particle generation were done on metallogel (3UMECg) to make the metallogel as a multicomponent delivery agent with antibacterial activity. Finally the shear thinning property of 3UMECg (rheoreversibility and injectability) makes it as a potential candidate for plausible topical and subcutaneous drug delivery applications.

Exploiting crystal engineering approach towards designing self-deliverable metallogels with Zn(II)-coordination polymer network

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.