In Situ Development of Quercetin-Enhanced Layered Double Hydroxides for Targeted Osteosarcoma Therapy

In this study, we investigated the structural, thermal, and cytotoxic properties of Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) intercalated with quercetin. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of quercetin into the LDH structure, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an increased interlayer spacing due to quercetin intercalation. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated greater thermal degradation in quercetin-intercalated LDHs compared to nitrate-intercalated LDHs, suggesting a higher quercetin content in the material. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated morphological changes with quercetin, particularly larger surface clusters at room temperature. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that quercetin-intercalated LDHs exhibited a dose- and time-dependent reduction in cell viability, which was more pronounced at higher concentrations and longer exposure times. Quercetin alone had a stronger cytotoxic effect on NIH/3T3 cells compared with Saos-2 cells. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays showed distinct effects of quercetin on both cell lines. These findings highlight the potential of quercetin-LDH hybrids for biomedical applications, particularly for targeted drug delivery.