Layered silicate nanoparticles as a non-injectable drug delivery system for biomacromolecules

Background: Safe, efficient, and patient-friendly drug delivery systems are critical for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and the clinical application of drugs. Hence, various organic, inorganic, and hybrid materials have been extensively studied to develop effective drug delivery systems. When compared with a single material, nanocomposite materials based on the combination of different materials, possess more desirable and customized properties. Area covered: Organically modified inorganic materials create synergy between organic and inorganic constituents, achieving properties that meet the specific design expectations for drug delivery carriers. Aminopropyl functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate (Aminoclay) exhibits unique properties derived from organic functional groups and three-dimensional inorganic silicates, and therefore, has broad biomedical and non-biomedical applications. Since aminoclay can interact with various drugs when dispersed in water as cationic nanosheets, and it is easily modifiable with functional ligands, it has great potential for use as a drug delivery carrier. It can improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs, increase the thermal stability of drugs, and enhance cellular drug uptake. Furthermore, aminoclay-based drug delivery systems offer an avenue for non-invasive delivery of macromolecules, including proteins and antibodies. This review provides an overview of aminoclay, particular emphasis on their applications as a non-invasive drug delivery carrier for macromolecules. Expert Opinion: Aminoclay mainly complexes with guest molecules via electrostatic interactions and its application can be extended to various biological molecules to design tailor-made drug delivery systems. However, despite its many advantages, aminoclay has challenges that should be resolved prior to its clinical applications. The long-term toxicity of aminoclay is not fully understood and should be clarified in relevant toxicology models. This will ultimately uncover a novel platform for the design of effective, versatile, and non-invasive delivery systems of biomacromolecules.