Synthesis of methotrexatum intercalated zinc–aluminum-layered double hydroxides and the corresponding cell studies

• Regular particles have much longer release duration.
• Regular hybrids are more efficient in the suppression of the tumor cells.
• Morphologies can be changed by changing pH and using different solvents.

To study the influence of morphology on release property, drug efficacy and other properties, a series of methotrexate intercalated zinc–aluminum-layered double hydroxides (MTX/ZnAl-LDHs) hybrids were synthesized through the traditional coprecipitation method, by the way of changing pH value and using different solvents. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigations manifested the successful intercalation of MTX anions for all hybrids. TEM photographs indicated that low pH value was in favor of improving the morphologies, and addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in solvent would lead to the formation of regular particles. Lastly, in-vitro release and the bioassay tests showed that regular particles had much longer release duration and were more efficient in the suppression of the tumor cells.

The anticancer efficiency of some MTX/LDHs hybrids (samples a, b, c and e) was evaluated by the bioassay tests, and the results indicated that regular particles had much longer release duration and were more efficient in the suppression of the tumor cells.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide