RGD-modified ZIF-8 nanoparticles as a drug carrier for MR imaging and targeted drug delivery in myocardial infarction.

A multifunctional nanoplatform has been developed to enhance the targeting capability and biosafety of drug/siRNA for better diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). The nanoplatform's chemical properties, biodistribution, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities, therapeutic effects and biocompatibility were investigated. The nanoplatform exhibited MI-targeting properties and pH-sensitivity, allowing for effective cardiac MRI and delivery of drugs to the infarcted myocardium. The GCD/Qt@ZIF-RGD demonstrated potential as a reliable MRI probe for MI diagnosis. Moreover, the GCD/si-SHP1/Qt@ZIF-RGD effectively suppressed SHP-1 expression, increased pro-angiogenesis gene expression and reduced cell apoptosis in HUVECs exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation. Our newly developed multifunctional drug delivery system shows promise as a nanoplatform for both the diagnosis and treatment of MI.