Layered double hydroxide monolayers for controlled loading and targeted delivery of anticancer drugs

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have gained tremendous attention in the field of biomedicine because of their high specific surface areas and fascinating physicochemical properties. Herein, 2D monolayered double hydroxide (MLDH) nanosheets were employed to localize doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug, with a loading capacity of as high as 3.6 mg·mg–1 (w/w). Structural characterizations and theoretical calculations indicate that the DOX molecule is uniformly arranged and oriented at the surface of the MLDHs with a binding energy of 15.90 eV, showing significant electrostatic interaction. With the assistance of the targeting agent folic acid (FA), DOX-FA/MLDHs demonstrate targeted cellular uptake and superior anticancer behavior based on in vitro tests performed with cancer cells. In addition, this composite material exhibits a selective release toward cancer cells and good biocompatibility with normal cells, which would guarantee its practical applications in cancer therapy.