Fig. 4

DHA@MIL-101 NRs exhibited a significant anti-lung cancer effect in vitro. A Schematic illustration of how DHA@MIL-101 NRs led to apoptosis of Lewis cells. B Lewis cells were treated with DHA, MIL-101 NRs and DHA@MIL-101 NRs for 24 h. The expression of apoptosis proteins Bax, caspase-3 was measured using WB. C, D The apoptosis rate was analyzed using Annexin-V/PI double staining and flow cytometry. E The cells were imaged with microscopy. F The expression of proliferation, anti-apoptosis proteins CDK4, PCNA and Bcl-2 were measured using WB. G, H DHA@MIL-101 NRs were utilized to treat 16HBE and LLC. Cellular iron ions were investigated by a PGSK probe. Decreased FITC fluorescence reflected accumulated iron ions. I The viability of 16HBE and Lewis cells was detected using CCK-8. Values are means ± SD (n = 3, * p < 0.05)