Multifunctional single-layered vesicles derived from Cu(ii)-metal-organic-polyhedra.

Cu(II) metal–organic-polyhedra (MOP) derived from a tris-pyridyl ligand gave stable single-layered vesicles capable of encapsulating an anti-cancer drug (doxorubicin – DOX) and its pH responsive release. While encapsulation of DOX was further confirmed by MTT assay and cellular imaging, α-chymotrypsin inhibition assay corroborated well with the single crystal structures of the MOP. The MOP derived vesicles reported herein not only represent the rare examples of such hierarchical architectures derived from MOP but also provide the first example of multifunctional organic–inorganic synthetic bio-membranes.