Zinc oxide-quercetin nanocomposite as a smart nano-drug delivery system: Molecular-level interaction studies

In this study, zinc oxide-quercetin (ZnO-quercetin) nanocomposite was constructed as smart nano-drug delivery system. The amount of quercetin loaded onto the ZnO nanoparticle was found to be 210 mu g mg(-1). The quercetin release kinetics data indicates that the rate of quercetin release was faster in acidic condition (pH of typical cancer) compared to physiological condition. The molecular-level interaction of ZnO-quercetin nanocomposite formation was investigated by a combined experimental and theoretical investigation. The interaction studies have corroborated that 5-OH in the A-ring and 3-OH in the C-ring of quercetin were the most suitable positions for the ZnO interaction. The constructed ZnO-quercetin nanocomposite demonstrates an effective inhibition of the growth of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) with high biocompatibility (3T3-L1 cells). This study may provide a model path for the further development of smart nano-drug delivery system of metal oxides with hydrophobic natural drugs to treat cancer cells.

Automated summary

In this study, a zinc oxide-quercetin nanocomposite was developed as a smart nano-drug delivery system. The release kinetics showed faster release of quercetin in acidic conditions, with specific interactions between quercetin and zinc oxide identified. The nanocomposite demonstrated effective inhibition of breast cancer cells and high biocompatibility.