A Novel Platform for Controlled Drug Delivery and Dye Removal; Green Synthesis and Characterization of Honey-Incorporated Cu/Al Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) Nanocomposite

Background: Recently, introducing new drug delivery approaches to maintain drug concentrations at reasonable levels for longer periods is widely emerging in pharmaceutical science. In this respect, multilamellar nanomaterials such as layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites are considered favorable topics due to their high specific surface areas and abundant interlayer spaces for drug loading, as well as appropriate properties, including ease of synthesis, high thermodynamic stability, and controlled drug delivery. Objectives: In the current study, we aimed to prepare a honey-incorporated Cu/Al-LDH (Ho@Cu/Al-LDH) nanocomposite as a platform for controlled drug delivery using ibuprofen (Ibu) as a model pharmaceutical agent. Additionally, the dye removal potential of this nanocomposite was also assessed. Methods: Cu/Al-LDH nanocomposite was prepared using honey as an anionic ligand by hydrothermal precipitation. The product was collected and dried after several washing steps. Subsequently, the prepared nanocomposite was evaluated through physicochemical properties, dye removal potential, total antioxidant capacity, and entrapment efficiency as well as drug release properties. Results: The Ho@Cu/Al-LDH nanocomposite exhibited good physicochemical properties with an average particle size of 123.7 nm and a PDI of 0.37, as well as relative uniformity and suitable morphology. The nanocomposite also presented good antioxidant properties [ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value of 298.42 ± 0.93 μM Fe(II)/g], high entrapment efficiency (EE) during the evaluation, and a pH-dependent controlled release profile (42.3 ± 0.243% at pH 7.4 and 0.481 ± 32.1% at pH 9.5), which was in good agreement with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Conclusions: However, the incorporation of natural compounds into LDHs is no longer restricted. In particular, the present study introduces a promising approach to reduce dose-related adverse effects and address health concerns by developing organic-inorganic nanocomposites for controlled drug delivery. In addition, this nanocomposite can also be used as an effective and low-cost recyclable adsorbent.