A biocompatible metal-organic framework as a pH and temperature dual-responsive drug carrier.

A biocompatible metal-organic framework Zn-GA comprising zinc ions and the bio-friendly molecule l-glutamic acid (GA) is synthesized as a drug delivery system, and controlled drug release triggered by pH and thermal stimuli without premature delivery is realized. The anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX) is selected to be encapsulated into the crystal which possesses one-dimensional channels along the a axis. The on-command drug carrier shows superior biocompatibility, extremely low toxicity, satisfactory loading capabilities and excellent dual-responsiveness, indicating its practical application as an efficient drug carrier with controlled release.