Flurbiprofen@ZIF-8 nanoformulation with potential for analgesia

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Aran

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for analgesic and anti-inflammatory purposes but are often limited by side effects such as gastrointestinal problems. Flurbiprofen, a potent NSAID, can also cause adverse effects because it non-selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX). This study develops flurbiprofen-loaded ZIF-8 nanoparticles (FP@ZIF-8) to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects. The work evaluates encapsulation efficiency, pH-responsive release, cellular effects on HUVEC proliferation and LPS-induced ROS in macrophages, in vivo anti-inflammatory pain relief, cytokine modulation, and biosafety, supporting FP@ZIF-8 as a promising delivery platform for inflammatory pain.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

NSAIDs and COX inhibition

Clinical use and limitations of flurbiprofen

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) in drug delivery

ZIF-8 as a nanoporous carrier

Pan etal. BMC Anesthesiology (2026) 26:19 [https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-025-03467-3](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-025-03467-3) BMC Anesthesiology RESEARCH Open Access Flurbiprofen@ZIF-8 nanoformulation with potential for analgesia Peng Pan 1, Sixv Ding 1, Wang Yang 1, Yibo Wang 1, Hua Qian 1, Ayang Zhao2 and Wengang Ding 1* Abstract Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for analgesic and anti-inflammatory purposes but are often hampered by side effects such as gastrointestinal issues. Flurbiprofen, a potent NSAID, has significant therapeutic potential but may cause adverse effects due to its non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. This study aimed to enhance its efficacy and reduce side effects by developing flurbiprofen-loaded ZIF-8 nanoparticles (FP@ZIF-8) . ZIF-8, with its high porosity, pH sensitivity, and biocompatibility, serves as an excellent carrier for targeted drug delivery. FP@ZIF-8 nanoparticles demonstrated successful flurbiprofen encapsulation with a drug loading rate of up to 53% and showed pH-responsive drug release. In vitro studies revealed that FP@ZIF-8 nanoparticles not only promoted the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) but also significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in RAW264 .7 macrophages. In vivo experiments further indicated that FP@ZIF-8 effectively alleviated inflammation-induced pain in mouse models and downregulated key inflammatory cytokines. The biosafety assessment confirmed the excellent biocompatibility and safety of FP@ZIF-8 nanoparticles. These findings suggest that FP@ZIF-8 is a promising drug delivery system for treating inflammatory pain conditions. Keywords Flurbiprofen, ZIF-8 nanoparticles, Inflammatory pain Introduction Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects [1]. Their primary mechanism involves inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which play a key role in converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and thromboxanes [2]– [3]. This inhibition reduces *Correspondence: Wengang Ding [dingwg@hrbmu.edu.cn](dingwg@hrbmu.edu.cn) 1Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Research & Key Laboratory for Basic Theory and Application of Anesthesiology of the Heilongjiang Higher Education Institution, No. 148, BaoJian Road, Harbin 150086, China 2School of Medicine and Health, Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-structures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China the production of these inflammatory mediators, thereby alleviating pain and inflammation [4]. Interestingly, NSAIDs also exert effects on the central nervous system (CNS), where they may reduce fever and pain perception by modulating prostaglandin synthesis in the brain [5]. It is estimated that over 30 million people worldwide use NSAIDs daily, underscoring their importance in pharmacotherapy for various inflammatory conditions and pain management [6]. Flurbiprofen, a propionic acid derivative and a nonselective COX inhibitor, is a NSAID with potent antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. It is extensively used in clinical practice for treating musculoskeletal pain, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis [7]. In addition to oral formulations, flurbiprofen is available as an oromucosal spray and lozenges, which are particularly effective for relieving sore throat symptoms © The Author(s) 2025. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, which permits any non-commercial use, sharing, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the sourc

FAQs

What problem does FP@ZIF-8 aim to address with flurbiprofen therapy?

The study targets flurbiprofen’s non-selective COX inhibition, which can lead to adverse effects and side effects such as gastrointestinal issues. FP@ZIF-8 is designed to improve efficacy while reducing these risks.

How does ZIF-8 contribute to the drug delivery behavior of FP@ZIF-8?

ZIF-8 is presented as having high porosity, pH sensitivity, and biocompatibility. It supports efficient encapsulation and enables pH-responsive drug release.

What evidence is provided for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of FP@ZIF-8?

In vitro results show improved HUVEC proliferation and reduced LPS-induced ROS production in RAW264.7 macrophages. In vivo experiments report alleviation of inflammation-induced pain in mouse models and downregulation of key inflammatory cytokines.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Aran