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 encapsulateand deliver drugs with a recognized pharmacokinetic profile in a sustained/modified manner forbetter remedial efficacy contrasted to the corresponding conventional treatments using differentdrugs. LDHs known as hydrotalcite like compounds possess positive charges due to isomorphicsubstitutions, which are counterbalanced by hydrated exchangeable anions located in the interlayerregion. Some of the active ingredient molecules can be intercalated into the inner region of the LDHsthrough ionic bonding, hydrogen bonding or van der Waals interaction to form nanohybrids, whichare more potent for their protection and controlled‐release. In addition, this composite materialexhibits a selective release toward cancer cells and good biocompatibility with normal cells, whichwould guarantee its practical applications in cancer therapy.