Aim: The chemical composition of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) affects their structure and properties. The method of ibuprofen (IBU) intercalation into LDHs may modify its release, reduce adverse effects and decrease the required dosing frequency.
Methodology: This study investigates the effects of four different LDHs; MgAl-LDH, MgFe-LDH, NiAl-LDH and NiFe-LDH on in vitro release of IBU intercalated by coprecipitation and anionic-exchange.
Results: MgAl-LDH was the most crystalline and substitution of either cation decreased LDH order. Fourier-transform infrared spectra and power x-ray diffractograms confirmed the intercalation of IBU within the lamellar structure of MgAl-LDH and MgFe-LDH. Intercalation of IBU by anion-exchange resulted in slower, partial, drug release compared with coprecipitation.
Conclusion: The chemical composition of LDHs affects their crystallinity, IBU intercalation and subsequent release.
Keywords: LDH; anionic exchange; coprecipitation; drug release; ibuprofen; layered double hydroxides.