Advances in application of layered double hydroxide/polymer nanocomposites for bone tissue engineering

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), or hydrotalcite-like compounds, are versatile, biocompatible nano-clays with promising bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications. These two-dimensional nanomaterials are incorporated into biomaterials to enhance biocompatibility, bioactivity, and natural biodegradability. Furthermore, compositional flexibility and efficient surface modification of LDHs enable the use of functionalized LDH across various biomedical applications. Additionally, LDHs facilitate cell proliferation, expansion, and migration and promote stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts. Their layered structure, consisting of charged cationic layers and exchangeable anionic interlayers, makes them promising candidates for BTE. This review explores the characteristics and potential uses of LDH nanocomposite scaffolds, including bioactivity, antibacterial properties, drug and gene delivery, and tissue engineering. It focuses on their molecular mechanism and recent advances in using LDHs for BTE applications. Eventually, a concluding remark and a future perspective in research related to LDHs are provided.