Polymer coated CaAl-layered double hydroxide nanomaterials for potential calcium supplement

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are promising nanomaterials for various applications.
• Calcium and aluminum-containing LDHs (CaAl-LDH) offer potential as calcium supplements.
• Protecting LDH from acidic environments is crucial for oral delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize Eudragit®L 100 coated CaAl-LDH nanomaterials.
• To evaluate the protective effect of the coating against dissolution under different pH conditions.
• To assess the safety, cellular uptake, and pharmacokinetic profile of the coated LDH for potential use as a calcium supplement.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and characterization of CaAl-LDH nanomaterials using X-ray diffraction, FTIR, SEM, and TEM.
• Coating of CaAl-LDH with Eudragit®L 100.
• In vitro dissolution studies at pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4.
• Cytotoxicity assessment using human intestinal cells.
• In vivo pharmacokinetic and acute toxicity studies in rats.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized hydrocalumite-structured CaAl-LDH, effectively coated with Eudragit®L 100 without structural disturbance.
• Eudragit®L 100 coating significantly reduced metal ion dissolution from LDH, especially under simulated gastric conditions (pH 1.2).
• Coated LDH showed no significant cytotoxicity, increased intracellular calcium in intestinal cells, and demonstrated good oral absorption and safety in vivo.

Conclusions:

• Eudragit®L 100 coated CaAl-LDH nanomaterials offer enhanced stability in acidic environments.
• These coated nanomaterials exhibit favorable biocompatibility and pharmacokinetic properties.
• CaAl-LDH nanomaterials hold significant potential as an effective and safe oral calcium supplement.