Biological Application of Layered Double Hydroxides in Drug Delivery Systems

This review focuses on the extensive study of different layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanostructures and also their biological and physicochemical (in vitro) properties to encapsulate and deliver drugs with a recognized pharmacokinetic profile in a sustained/modified manner for better remedial efficacy contrasted to the corresponding conventional treatments using different drugs. LDHs known as hydrotalcite like compounds possess positive charges due to isomorphic substitutions, which are counterbalanced by hydrated exchangeable anions located in the interlayer region. Some of the active ingredient molecules can be intercalated into the inner region of the LDHs through ionic bonding, hydrogen bonding or van der Waals interaction to form nanohybrids, which are more potent for their protection and controlled-release. In addition, this composite material exhibits a selective release toward cancer cells and good biocompatibility with normal cells, which would guarantee its practical applications in cancer therapy.