Enteric-coated layered double hydroxides as a controlled release drug delivery system

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are biocompatible materials suitable for host-guest supramolecular structures.
• The basicity of LDHs limits their application in acidic environments like the stomach.
• Developing pH-responsive drug delivery systems is crucial for effective gastrointestinal drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a core-shell drug delivery system using LDHs and enteric polymers.
• To overcome the limitations of basic LDHs in acidic gastrointestinal conditions.
• To achieve controlled release of Fenbufen in a simulated gastrointestinal environment.

Main Methods:

• Fenbufen was intercalated into LDHs to form the core material.
• The Fenbufen-LDH core was coated with enteric polymers (Eudragit S 100 or Eudragit L 100) to create a shell.
• In vitro studies were conducted to model drug release throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

Main Results:

• A core-shell composite material was successfully synthesized.
• The composite material demonstrated controlled drug release properties.
• The enteric coating protected the drug in simulated gastric conditions and facilitated release in intestinal conditions.

Conclusions:

• The core-shell LDH-based system offers a promising approach for pH-responsive drug delivery.
• Coating LDHs with enteric polymers enhances their applicability as drug delivery vehicles.
• This strategy enables targeted and controlled release of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the gastrointestinal tract.