Utilization of Layered Double Hydroxides in Medical Applications

Abstract

The paper reviews preparation of pharmaceutically active substances intercalated in layered double hydroxides (LDH). A number of such reports have been published mainly in the last decade. The intercalation of various pharmaceuticals, e.g. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihypertensives, antibiotics, or anticancer drugs in LDH hosts is described. The hybrid materials containing bioactive compounds such as amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, or DNA fragments intercalated in LDH are also mentioned. The active substances are intercalated mostly as water-soluble carboxylate salts. The host LDH particles are nontoxic and biocompatible, and the intercalated substances are more stable to chemical, thermal and light degradation. Intercalated LDH are prospective drug carriers and drug delivery systems with controlled release of active substances.