Vitamin B₃ Intercalated in Layered Double Hydroxides: A Drug Delivery System for Metabolic Regulation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Niacin (vitamin B3) is vital for nutrition but high doses cause side effects like hyperglycemia and liver damage.
• Controlled release systems are needed to prevent high niacin dosing peaks and reduce adverse effects.
• Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are potential matrices for controlled drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a controlled release system for niacin (vitamin B3) using layered double hydroxides (LDHs).
• To investigate the intercalation of niacin into a ZnAl-LDH structure.
• To evaluate the in vitro release profile of niacin from the ZnAl-LDH system in an acidic environment.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a ZnAl-LDH intercalated with niacin (ZnAl-VitB3).
• Characterization using elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD).
• In vitro release studies conducted in a pH 1.5 HCl solution simulating stomach conditions.

Main Results:

• Successful intercalation of niacin into the ZnAl-LDH structure was confirmed by spectroscopic and diffraction methods.
• The ZnAl-VitB3 system demonstrated a steady release of niacin in acidic conditions.
• Approximately 90% of niacin was released within 60 minutes in the simulated stomach environment.

Conclusions:

• ZnAl-LDHs provide an effective matrix for the controlled release of niacin (vitamin B3).
• This intercalation approach offers a viable strategy to mitigate niacin-associated side effects.
• The developed system shows potential for improved niacin supplementation and therapeutic applications.