Layered zinc hydroxide as vehicle for drug delivery systems: a critical review.

Since nanoparticle-based treatment methods could decrease the side effects of conventional therapeutics; they have been considered as important approaches. One of the main drug delivery systems associated with easy preparation, decreased cytotoxicity, appropriate biocompatibility and drug loading capacity, and reduced cost is inorganic layered zinc hydroxides (LZH) as anionic clays, which is a member of layered hydroxide salts. It is found that LZH contains a layered structure and high surface-to-volume ratio; therefore, it could lead to the treatment agent's interpolation and deliverance to the desired point and consequently, reduction of side effects. It should also be noted that the prevalence of drug release could be reduced as a result of the continuous intercalation of drug delivery. The current study investigates the promotions of LZH composition, characteristics, development manner, and drug administration. Furthermore, it represents useful data regarding LZH and drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]