Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of a pH-responsive molecular imprinted polymer for Matrine as an intelligent drug delivery system

To address the undesirable reactions associated with matrine (MAT) injection in clinical settings, a high-loading drug delivery system (DDS) based on pH-sensitive molecularly imprinted polymer (MAT@MIPs) was prepared for the first time. The imprinted materials containing recognition sites for the matrine were formed by using carboxyl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a supportive matrix and dopamine as a cross-linker due to its exceptional biocompatibility. Subsequently, the optimal reaction conditions and adsorption performance of MAT@MIPs were systematically investigated. The obtained polymers were characterized and evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Results indicated that the MIPs demonstrated a favorable imprinting factor (2.36) and a high binding capacity (21.48 mg·g−1) for matrine. In vitro studies, we performed cell counting kit-8 assays in HepG2 cells, then the drug delivery capabilities of MAT-loaded MIPs were validated through light microscopy analyses, and the matrine content in culture medium was quantified using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrum synchronously. The facile fabrication of MAT@MIPs presents a viable solution for designing high-loading and pH-responsive DDS, which can offer a novel administration approach for drugs requiring injection in clinical applications.