Synthesis of ZIF-8-based multifunctional shell and sustained release of drugs.

We synthesized ZIF-8 hollow microspheres with thickness of A1–A5 by template method. The adsorption effect of thickness A3 is the best, which proves that the thickness of this shell layer (about 100 nm) is the most suitable. The microspheres were then wrapped with calcium alginate, and the results showed that the coating of calcium alginate could slow the release process of ibuprofen. • By template, we synthesized hollow ZIF-8 microspheres with different shells. • The 100 nm thickness of this shell layer is suitable for the adsorption. • The microspheres were wrapped with calcium alginate. • The coating of calcium alginate could slow the release process of ibuprofen. The combination of polystyrene spheres with porous ZIF-8 can induce the formation of a polystyrene @ZIF-8 core-shell structure. The polystyrene microspheres are then removed by an etching process to create a unique hollow ZIF-8. Finally, the adsorption process of the shell on small molecule dyes and drugs was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]