Layered gadolinium hydroxides for simultaneous drug delivery and imaging

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Layered materials offer unique properties for drug delivery and medical imaging.
• Gadolinium-based materials are known for their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities.
• Theranostics combines therapy and diagnostics for improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of layered gadolinium hydroxide (LGdH) for simultaneous drug delivery and MRI.
• To intercalate three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen) into LGdH-Cl.
• To evaluate drug loading, release kinetics, stability, and theranostic properties.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of LGdH-drug intercalates using ion exchange, coprecipitation, and exfoliation-self-assembly.
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction, elemental microanalysis, and IR spectroscopy.
• Drug release studies at different pH levels and assessment of proton relaxivity.

Main Results:

• Successful intercalation of diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen into LGdH-Cl confirmed by characterization techniques.
• Coprecipitation yielded higher drug loadings compared to ion exchange or self-assembly methods.
• LGdH-ibu demonstrated sustained drug release over 24 hours, suitable for enteric-coated tablets.
• Materials showed stability at neutral pH, degradation in acidic conditions, and retained MRI contrast properties.

Conclusions:

• LGdH-drug intercalation compounds are promising for theranostic applications, combining drug delivery and MRI.
• The choice of synthesis route significantly impacts drug loading efficiency.
• Sustained drug release profiles were achieved, particularly with ibuprofen.
• These materials exhibit biocompatibility and potential as negative contrast agents in MRI.